Indian gerbil
Species of rodent
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Indian gerbil (Tatera indica) also known as antelope rat, is a species of rodent in the family Muridae.
| Indian gerbil | |
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Genus: | Tatera Lataste, 1882 |
| Species: | T. indica |
| Binomial name | |
| Tatera indica (Hardwicke, 1807) | |
It is found in western and southern Asia, from Syria east through to Bangladesh.[2]
It is the only species in the genus Tatera. Members of the genus Gerbilliscus have, historically, been placed in Tatera.
Description
Head and body length is 17–20 cm. Tail is 20–21 cm. Dorsal surface including entire head is light brown or light brown with rusty wash. Underparts are white. Tail fully furred, dark blackish brown with grayish sides and prominent black tuft on tip. Fur on body soft, sparse underneath; tail fur is longer. Eyes are large and prominent. Bounding gait is distinguished when running.[3]
Reproduction
Both the sexes of this species lives apart. The relation between male and female gerbils is not known yet.[4]
Diet
Omnivorous. Known to eat grains, seeds, plants, roots, insects, reptiles and even small birds and mammals it can catch.[3]
