Meriones libycus
Libyan jird

Meriones libycus is spread widely across the Middle East and Northern Africa. In Africa they are found mainly in Libya and Egypt, while in Asia they spread as far west as Afghanistan and also into the northern parts of Iran. (van Veen 1999, Nowak 1999, Barker 1999)

Meriones libycus lives in the low lying areas of the desert Middle east. The are mainly restricted to the valleys and lowlands and rarely venture into areas of higher elevation. They often make their homes in areas where there is a large amount vegetation present, as plants are a vital source of food. (van Veen 1999, Barker 1999)

Meriones libycus, also known as the Libyan Jird, is very similar in size and shape to many other types of jirds. They are 5 to 6 inches long and have a tale that is roughly the same length as the rest of their body. Coloration is variable, but most commonly M. libycus is sandy-colored or yellowish dorsally, with a white or light colored ventral surface. The feet are almost exlusively white with black nails; however, there can also be a orange colored stripe that runs up the foot in some specimens. The ears are not pigmented,and the tail is usually the same color as the rest of the dorsal surface. The only physical feature that makes the body of the Libyan Jird look any different from any other gerbil species is that in M. libycus the head may be narrower by a small degree. (Jird Site 1997, van Veen 1999, Nowak 1999, Barker 1999)

Meriones libycus are highly social animals that live in large groups of individuals. They have many different forms of group behavior, one of these being their ability to give a warning call to others. This call consists of a rapid stomping of the foot, much in the way that a rabbit does. They spend most of their time in the burrows that they construct. When a jird does venture out, for example when foraging, they do so quickly. When running between burrows, the stick their tails up in the air and rapidly move from one area of cover to the next. They are diurnal in their feeding activity, and they will nap and forage at regular intervals during day and night. M. libycus are very tolerant of humans, and can often live undisturbed in very close proximity to humans. Some individuals in colder northern areas may go into a form of hibernation for the coldest months of the year, but for the most part the species is active year-round. (Barker 1999)

Meriones libycus burrows to build a den. They make shallow tunnels with multiple entrances. These entrances are usually situated near a plant or bush, as the foliage provides some cover.

Meriones libycus eat the seeds of a wide array of grasses in the wild. They also eat some types of leaves, as well as the succulent fruits that can be found in the desert areas in which they live. Which grasses they choose to use as a food source is variable and depends mainly on where the jird is located. In areas that are under human cultivation, they will feed on potato and tomato crops. (van Veen 1999, Barker 1999)

In agricultural areas near their home ranges, Meriones libycus can do serious damage to crops. They eat seeds, fruit, and leaves, so any crop that is being produced is a likely food source. They especially are known for damaging tomato and potato crops. (Barker 1999)

Meriones libycus is sometimes kept as a pet. (van Veen 1999)

Meriones libycus is not endangered as it is fairly common across a wide area. Sometimes their numbers can be a problem, as in particular high times of breeding the masses of jirds can do damage to crops. (Barker 1999)

Those that are interested in keeping M. libycus as a pet should know that while individuals in this species are very passive, groups of jirds can be very aggresive. There is a high degree of competition amongst individuals which can lead to fighting, biting, and other potential dangers for the animals. (van Veen 1999)