How Many Types of Gerbils Are There in the World?

There are approximately 110 recognized species of gerbils belonging to the subfamily Gerbillinae, distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Despite this remarkable diversity, only two gerbil species — the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) and the fat-tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi) — are commonly kept as domestic pets.

Understanding the full scope of gerbil species, their natural habitats, physical characteristics, and behavioral traits helps build a complete picture of these fascinating small rodents. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the most well-known gerbil types, their classification within the rodent family, conservation status, and what makes each species unique.

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How Many Gerbil Species Exist?

The subfamily Gerbillinae currently contains around 110 species spread across approximately 16 genera, according to updated mammalian taxonomy databases and the IUCN Red List. This number has grown from earlier estimates of roughly 100 species as ongoing genetic studies and field research have led to reclassification and the identification of previously unrecognized populations.

Gerbils are part of the larger family Muridae (the Old World mice and rats), and they occupy ecological niches across three continents — Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Their adaptations to desert and semi-desert environments, including water conservation mechanisms, burrowing behavior, and specialized kidney function, make them one of the most successful groups of small mammals in arid ecosystems.

Key Facts at a Glance

Attribute	Detail
Subfamily	Gerbillinae
Total recognized species	~110
Number of genera	~16
Geographic range	Africa, Middle East, Central and East Asia
Species kept as pets	2 (Mongolian gerbil, fat-tailed gerbil)
Primary habitat	Desert, semi-arid grassland, steppe, sandy plains
Diet classification	Omnivorous (seeds, grains, insects, vegetation)

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Gerbil Taxonomy and Classification

Understanding where gerbils sit in the animal kingdom helps clarify the relationship between different species and their close relatives, such as jirds and sand rats.

• Order: Rodentia
• Family: Muridae
• Subfamily: Gerbillinae
• Notable genera: Meriones (jirds), Gerbillus (the largest genus with 40+ species), Pachyuromys, Desmodillus, Sekeetamys, Psammomys, Rhombomys

The genus Gerbillus alone accounts for more than a third of all gerbil species, most of which are small, nocturnal, and found across the Sahara and Sahel regions of North Africa. The genus Meriones, which includes jirds and the popular Mongolian gerbil, contains around 17 species adapted to steppes and semi-deserts from North Africa through Central Asia.

Advances in molecular phylogenetics over the past decade have refined our understanding of gerbil evolutionary relationships. Some species previously grouped together have been split into distinct species, while others have been reclassified into different genera based on DNA analysis rather than morphological traits alone.

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Pet Gerbil Species

Of the 110+ gerbil species in existence, only two have been widely domesticated and are readily available through reputable breeders and pet stores.

Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

The Mongolian gerbil is the most popular pet gerbil species worldwide and the one most people picture when they hear the word “gerbil.” Originally native to the grasslands and semi-arid steppes of Mongolia and northeastern China, this species was first brought into captivity for scientific research in the 1930s and entered the pet trade in the 1960s.

Physical Characteristics:

• Body length: 10–13 cm (4–5 inches), not including the tail
• Tail length: 8–10 cm (roughly equal to body length)
• Weight: 50–130 grams
• Natural coloring: Agouti (golden brown with a gray undercoat and lighter underbelly)
• Domesticated color variations: Over 40 recognized coat colors, including black, white, lilac, argente, dove, nutmeg, slate, Siamese, and spotted patterns

Lifespan and Health:

Mongolian gerbils typically live 3 to 5 years in captivity with proper care, though some individuals may reach 6 years. They are prone to certain health conditions, including:

• Seizure disorders (often hereditary and triggered by stress or sudden stimulation)
• Scent gland tumors (the ventral marking gland can develop benign or malignant tumors, particularly in older gerbils)
• Dental malocclusion
• Respiratory infections
• Tail slip (loss of tail skin if handled improperly)

Behavior and Social Needs:

Mongolian gerbils are highly social animals that should always be kept in pairs or small groups of the same sex to prevent loneliness-related stress. They are diurnal and crepuscular, meaning they are active during the day and at dawn and dusk, making them more interactive pets than many other small rodents.

Key behavioral traits include:

• Burrowing instinct — they require deep bedding substrate (at least 15–20 cm) to construct tunnel systems
• Scent marking — they rub their ventral gland on objects to establish territory
• Foot drumming (thumping) — used to signal alarm or excitement
• Sand bathing — essential for maintaining coat health
• Gnawing — constant chewing behavior to manage continuously growing incisors

Diet:

A balanced Mongolian gerbil diet consists of a high-quality seed and pellet mix supplemented with small amounts of fresh vegetables, occasional fruit, and protein sources such as mealworms or boiled egg. They have evolved to thrive on a low-moisture, high-fiber diet and drink relatively little water compared to other rodents.

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Fat-Tailed Gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi)

The fat-tailed gerbil, sometimes called the duprasi gerbil or fat-tailed jird, is the second most popular pet gerbil species. Native to the northern Sahara Desert across Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt, this species is distinctly different from the Mongolian gerbil in both appearance and temperament.

Physical Characteristics:

• Body length: 8–10 cm (3–4 inches)
• Tail length: 4–6 cm (notably short and club-shaped)
• Weight: 30–65 grams
• Coloring: Soft, fluffy golden-yellow to sandy fur on the back, with a stark white underbelly
• Distinguishing feature: A thick, rounded tail used for fat storage — similar in function to a camel’s hump — which serves as an energy reserve during periods of food scarcity

Lifespan and Health:

Fat-tailed gerbils live 5 to 8 years in captivity, making them one of the longer-lived small rodents available as pets. Health considerations include:

• Obesity (especially if overfed, as they are prone to fat accumulation)
• Respiratory sensitivity to dusty bedding
• Dental issues

Behavior and Temperament:

Fat-tailed gerbils are more docile and slower-moving than Mongolian gerbils, which makes them easier to handle and a good choice for first-time rodent owners. Key behavioral traits include:

• Solitary or pair housing — unlike Mongolian gerbils, duprasis can live alone without stress, though they can also be kept in same-sex pairs if introduced carefully
• Nocturnal and crepuscular activity patterns — they are most active at dusk and during the night
• Less inclined to burrow deeply than Mongolian gerbils, preferring to hide under cover or in enclosed shelters
• Minimal jumping — their body shape makes them less agile climbers, reducing escape risk
• Quiet and calm disposition — they rarely bite and tend to be relaxed when handled

Availability:

Fat-tailed gerbils are less commonly available than Mongolian gerbils in most pet stores. Prospective owners may need to seek out specialty breeders or exotic pet suppliers. Their relative rarity also means they are typically more expensive.

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Wild Gerbil Species of Africa

Africa is the center of gerbil diversity, home to the majority of the world’s gerbil species. The continent’s vast deserts, savannas, and coastal steppes provide ideal habitat for these burrowing, seed-eating rodents.

North African Gerbil (Gerbillus campestris)

• Range: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and surrounding regions
• Body length: 9–13 cm
• Habitat: Rocky desert edges, scrubland, cultivated areas, and semi-arid grassland
• Behavior: Primarily nocturnal, foraging for seeds, grains, and insects under the cover of darkness; constructs multi-chambered burrow systems for shelter and food storage
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN)
• Notable traits: Relatively large ears for heat dissipation; sandy-brown pelage provides camouflage against predators such as owls, foxes, and snakes

Flower’s Gerbil (Gerbillus floweri)

• Range: Primarily Egypt, particularly the Nile Delta region and surrounding coastal plains
• Body length: Up to 18–20 cm including tail
• Habitat: Coastal plains, rocky desert margins, and grass-covered valleys
• Conservation status: Listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN; considered rare in the wild with limited population data
• Notable traits: Larger than most Gerbillus species; population decline is attributed to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urbanization in the Nile Delta

Berbera Gerbil (Gerbillus acticola)

• Range: The Horn of Africa, primarily Somalia and Djibouti
• Body length: Approximately 8–10 cm
• Tail length: Nearly twice the body length
• Habitat: Coastal sand dunes and arid scrubland
• Conservation status: Data Deficient — this species is rarely encountered, and limited fieldwork in the region means population data is sparse
• Notable traits: Orange-toned fur with distinctive silvery-tipped hair shafts that create a shimmering appearance; adapted to extreme heat and low humidity

Tarabul’s Gerbil (Gerbillus tarabuli)

• Range: Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, Western Sahara, and surrounding areas
• Body length: Approximately 10 cm (4 inches)
• Habitat: Coastal steppes, sandy desert plains, and semi-stabilized dune systems
• Behavior: Nocturnal; constructs shallow but structurally complex burrow networks with multiple entrances and escape routes
• Conservation status: Least Concern

Botta’s Gerbil (Gerbillus bottai)

• Range: Primarily Sudan, with occasional records from neighboring countries including South Sudan and Ethiopia
• Body length: One of the smaller Gerbillus species
• First described: 1882
• Notable traits: Sandy-brown dorsal coloring with white limbs, white underbelly, and a distinctive tail featuring a terminal fur tuft
• Conservation status: Least Concern, though population monitoring is limited

Pale Gerbil / Pallid Gerbil (Gerbillus perpallidus)

• Range: Northwestern Egypt, particularly the Western Desert and Mediterranean coastal strip
• Body length: 8–10 cm
• Habitat: Sandy desert and semi-stabilized dune fields
• Notable traits: Among the lightest-colored gerbil species, with pale golden to cream-colored fur and a white underbelly; fur-covered soles on the hind feet act as natural “sand shoes,” providing traction and thermal insulation on hot sand
• Conservation status: Least Concern

Anderson’s Gerbil (Gerbillus andersoni)

• Range: Coastal sandy areas of Israel (Negev region), Egypt (Sinai Peninsula), and historically reported from Tunisia
• Body length: 9–11 cm
• Habitat: Sand dunes, particularly coastal dune systems
• Notable traits: Exceptionally large ears relative to head size (an adaptation for thermoregulation and enhanced hearing for predator detection); fur tends to be darker than most other desert gerbils, providing camouflage against darker sand substrates
• Behavior: Burrowing species with semi-nomadic tendencies, relocating burrow sites in response to shifting dune formations and food availability
• Conservation status: Data Deficient to Near Threatened, depending on regional assessment

Short-Tailed Gerbil (Desmodillus auricularis)

• Range: Southern Africa — Namibia, Botswana, South Africa
• Body length: 10–12 cm
• Habitat: Kalahari Desert, sandy grasslands, and semi-arid shrubland
• Notable traits: The only species in its genus; has relatively short, sparsely furred tail; prominent ears; adapted to the cooler nighttime temperatures of southern African deserts
• Conservation status: Least Concern

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Wild Gerbil Species of the Middle East and Asia

The arid regions stretching from the Arabian Peninsula through Iran, Pakistan, and into Central Asia host a diverse array of gerbil species, particularly within the genus Meriones (jirds).

Cheesman’s Gerbil (Meriones crassus)

• Range: Middle East and Central Asia — Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and surrounding countries
• Body length: 10–12 cm (approximately 4.3 inches)
• Habitat: Sandy desert, gravel plains, and semi-arid scrubland
• Behavior: Nocturnal; active forager that covers large distances nightly; constructs deep burrow systems for temperature regulation
• Notable traits: Warm orange-toned dorsal fur with a contrasting white underbelly; large eyes adapted for low-light vision; efficient kidneys that produce highly concentrated urine to minimize water loss
• Conservation status: Least Concern — one of the most widespread gerbil species in the Middle East

Balochistan Gerbil (Gerbillus nanus) — Also Known as Dwarf Gerbil

• Range: Widespread across the Middle East, Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and parts of South Asia — from Morocco to Pakistan
• Body length: Up to 22–24 cm including tail (body alone approximately 8–10 cm)
• Habitat: Arid and semi-arid regions; shows preference for areas with some vegetation cover despite tolerating extremely dry conditions
• Notable traits: Despite its common name “dwarf gerbil,” the total length including tail makes it appear larger; highly adaptable species found across a vast geographic range
• Conservation status: Least Concern — abundant throughout its range

Indian Desert Gerbil (Meriones hurrianae)

• Range: India (Rajasthan, Gujarat) and Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan)
• Body length: 12–15 cm
• Habitat: Thar Desert, sandy scrubland, and agricultural margins
• Notable traits: An important species in desert ecology research; considered an agricultural pest in some regions due to crop damage; diurnal activity patterns are more common in this species than in many other gerbils
• Conservation status: Least Concern

Libyan Jird (Meriones libycus)

• Range: North Africa through the Middle East to Central Asia — one of the most geographically widespread Meriones species
• Body length: 12–16 cm
• Habitat: Desert edges, semi-arid grassland, and oases
• Notable traits: Robust build; important prey species for raptors, foxes, and snakes across its range; significant in zoonotic disease research as a potential reservoir for leishmaniasis
• Conservation status: Least Concern

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Gerbil Relatives: Jirds and Sand Rats

Within the subfamily Gerbillinae, several species are commonly referred to by names other than “gerbil” — particularly jirds and sand rats. Despite their different common names, these animals are taxonomically part of the same gerbil subfamily and share many ecological and behavioral characteristics.

Persian Jird (Meriones persicus)

• Range: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
• Body length: 14–16 cm (approximately 6 inches)
• Tail length: Typically longer than the body, tipped with a small fur tuft
• Habitat: Mountain steppes, rocky desert, and semi-arid grasslands at elevations up to 3,000 meters
• Behavior: Diurnal in cooler months, shifting to crepuscular or nocturnal patterns during hot summers; lives in colonial burrow systems
• Pet keeping: Occasionally kept as exotic pets, but they require significantly more cage space than Mongolian gerbils (minimum enclosure length of 100 cm recommended), specialized diet, and are generally less handleable
• Conservation status: Least Concern

Fat Sand Rat (Psammomys obesus)

• Range: North Africa and the Middle East — from Mauritania and Algeria through Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and the Arabian Peninsula
• Body length: 14–18 cm
• Weight: 100–200 grams
• Habitat: Saline desert margins, wadis, and areas with halophytic (salt-tolerant) vegetation
• Notable traits: Appears physically more similar to a vole, gopher, or hamster than a typical gerbil, with a stocky body, short tail, and blunt face; despite its common name and appearance, it is a true member of the gerbil subfamily
• Scientific significance: Extensively studied as a natural model for type 2 diabetes — in captivity, when fed a standard laboratory diet (rather than their natural diet of low-calorie saltbush), fat sand rats rapidly develop obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia, making them invaluable for metabolic disease research
• Diet in the wild: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on the leaves of Atriplex (saltbush) and other halophytic plants — unlike most gerbils, which are granivorous (seed-eating)
• Conservation status: Least Concern

Great Gerbil (Rhombomys opimus)

• Range: Central Asia — Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Mongolia, and western China
• Body length: 15–20 cm (one of the largest gerbil species)
• Weight: 150–300+ grams
• Habitat: Clay and sandy deserts, semi-arid steppes
• Notable traits: Lives in extensive colonial burrow systems that can cover hundreds of square meters and persist for decades; burrow mounds are visible landscape features in Central Asian deserts; considered an agricultural pest and a plague reservoir in some regions
• Conservation status: Least Concern — abundant throughout Central Asia

Bushy-Tailed Jird (Sekeetamys calurus)

• Range: Egypt (Sinai Peninsula), Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia
• Body length: 10–13 cm
• Habitat: Rocky desert terrain, wadis, and cliff faces
• Notable traits: Distinguished by its densely furred, bushy tail — unique among gerbils; excellent rock climber, unlike most burrowing gerbil species; uses the tail tuft as a predator distraction (the tail can break away if grabbed, allowing escape)
• Conservation status: Least Concern

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Gerbil Conservation Status and Threats

While most gerbil species are currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, several face significant threats:

Threatened and Data-Deficient Species

Species	IUCN Status	Primary Threats
Flower’s Gerbil (G. floweri)	Data Deficient	Habitat loss from urbanization and agriculture
Berbera Gerbil (G. acticola)	Data Deficient	Limited research; political instability in range countries
Somali Gerbil (G. dunni)	Data Deficient	Habitat degradation
Lowe’s Gerbil (G. lowei)	Vulnerable (some assessments)	Restricted range; habitat fragmentation
Several island and restricted-range species	Near Threatened to Vulnerable	Small population sizes; environmental stochasticity

Key Conservation Concerns

1. Habitat loss and fragmentation — Agricultural expansion, urbanization, and desertification threaten gerbil habitats across North Africa and the Middle East
2. Climate change — Shifting precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures may alter desert ecosystems faster than gerbil populations can adapt
3. Overgrazing — Livestock grazing degrades the vegetation cover that many gerbil species depend on for food and burrow stabilization
4. Persecution as agricultural pests — Some species, particularly the great gerbil and Indian desert gerbil, are actively controlled through poisoning campaigns, which may affect non-target species
5. Limited research — Many gerbil species in remote or politically unstable regions remain poorly studied, making accurate conservation assessments difficult

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How to Identify Different Gerbil Species

For researchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and prospective pet owners, key identification features include:

• Tail shape and length — ranges from short and fat (fat-tailed gerbil) to extremely long with a terminal tuft (many Gerbillus species) to bushy (bushy-tailed jird)
• Body size — from tiny species under 7 cm to the great gerbil at 20 cm
• Ear size — large ears indicate desert adaptation for thermoregulation
• Fur color and texture — adapted to match local substrate for camouflage
• Foot morphology — fur-covered soles indicate sand-dwelling species
• Geographic location — range is often the most reliable field identification tool

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many species of gerbils exist in 2024?

Approximately 110 species of gerbils are currently recognized within the subfamily Gerbillinae. This number is subject to change as genetic research continues to refine gerbil taxonomy and occasionally reveals cryptic species.

What is the most common pet gerbil?

The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is by far the most popular pet gerbil species worldwide. It has been domesticated since the 1960s and is available in over 40 color variations through selective breeding.

Are all gerbils the same species?

No. Gerbils encompass approximately 110 species across 16 genera. While they share the same subfamily (Gerbillinae), individual species can differ significantly in size, behavior, habitat preferences, and physical characteristics.

Can you keep wild gerbil species as pets?

In most cases, wild gerbil species are not suitable as pets. They have not been domesticated, may carry diseases, often have specific dietary and environmental requirements that are difficult to replicate in captivity, and may be protected by wildlife regulations. Only Mongolian gerbils and fat-tailed gerbils are recommended for pet keeping.

What is the largest gerbil species?

The great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) is the largest, reaching body lengths of 15–20 cm and weights exceeding 300 grams. It is found throughout Central Asia.

What is the smallest gerbil species?

Several species within the genus Gerbillus are among the smallest, with body lengths of just 6–7 cm. The exact smallest species is debated due to limited measurement data for some rarely encountered species.

What is the difference between a gerbil and a jird?

Jirds belong to the genus Meriones within the gerbil subfamily. They are generally larger and more robust than species in the genus Gerbillus. The Mongolian gerbil is technically a jird (Meriones unguiculatus), though it is universally marketed and referred to as a “gerbil” in the pet trade.

Are gerbils endangered?

Most gerbil species are classified as Least Concern. However, several species with restricted ranges or limited population data are listed as Data Deficient, Near Threatened, or Vulnerable. Habitat loss and climate change pose the greatest long-term threats.

Where do gerbils live in the wild?

Wild gerbils are found across Africa, the Middle East, and Central and East Asia. They inhabit deserts, semi-arid steppes, grasslands, coastal sand dunes, and rocky terrain. No gerbil species are native to the Americas, Europe, or Australasia.

How are gerbil species classified?

Gerbils belong to the order Rodentia, family Muridae, subfamily Gerbillinae. Within this subfamily, they are divided into approximately 16 genera, the largest being Gerbillus (40+ species) and Meriones (~17 species).

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Summary

The gerbil subfamily Gerbillinae represents one of the most species-rich groups of small mammals adapted to arid environments. With approximately 110 recognized species spanning 16 genera across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, gerbils exhibit remarkable diversity in size, behavior, and ecological adaptation — from the tiny, nocturnal Gerbillus species of the Sahara to the colonial great gerbils of Central Asian steppes.

For pet owners, the Mongolian gerbil and fat-tailed gerbil remain the only two species widely recommended and readily available, each offering distinct advantages in terms of temperament, lifespan, and care requirements. Understanding the broader context of gerbil diversity enriches our appreciation of these two domesticated species and highlights the importance of conserving their wild relatives.