Boehm's gerbil facts for kids
Boehm's gerbil (Gerbilliscus boehmi) is a type of rodent that lives in many countries in Africa. You can find it in places like Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. These small animals like to live in dry grasslands called savannas, or even on farms. Good news! In 2004, experts said that Boehm's gerbil is a "least concern" animal. This means there are lots of them, and they are not in danger of disappearing.
Quick facts for kids Boehm's gerbil |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gerbilliscus
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| Species: |
boehmi
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| Synonyms | |
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Tatera boehmi |
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What Does Boehm's Gerbil Look Like?
Boehm's gerbil is a fairly large gerbil with a very long tail. Its body, from head to rump, is about 16 centimeters (6.4 inches) long. Its tail is even longer, measuring around 21.6 centimeters (8.5 inches)!
The front of its head and nose are dark brown or black. It has big eyes and large, round ears covered in black fur. The fur on its back and head is a mix of brown, black, and buff colors. The middle of its back looks darker because the hairs have black tips. The fur on its sides is lighter, with ochre-colored tips.
Its chin, belly, and the inside of its legs are white. Its cheeks and shoulders often have hairs with cinnamon-colored tips. There's a clear line where the darker fur on its back meets the white fur underneath. The tail is thin, dark on top and white underneath. The very end of the tail is white all around, sometimes with a small tuft of white hairs at the tip.
Where Does Boehm's Gerbil Live and What Does It Do?
Boehm's gerbil makes its home in burrows. These burrows usually have one or two entrances. Sometimes, the gerbil digs its own burrow. Other times, it might use a burrow that another gerbil or a mole-rat has already dug.
This gerbil is an omnivore, which means it eats both plants and insects. It comes out at night to search for its food. It might travel over a large area to find enough to eat.
Boehm's gerbils breed at different times of the year, depending on where they live. Often, they have their babies during the rainy season.
