Lesser Jerboa

This species is probably the smallest species of Jerboa in the Arabian Peninsula. This particular species has enormously long elongated hind feet with 3 digits and each digit has rigid fringe hairs growing on the side of the toes. These hairs are a special adaptation for running on sand.

They have long, soft coats and the general colouration is greyish sandy but appears to vary depending on individual and local variation. The stomach, forelimbs, lower cheeks and upper lips are white in colour. There is also a broad whitish streak, which goes around the hips to the tail base. The tail is sandy brown on top, white underneath with a banner of elongated hairs on the end of the tail. The tail tip is white with a sub terminal band of dark brown or black hairs.

This jerboa prefers sandy areas especially for making their burrows and burrows are reported to extend to a depth of at least 2,2 m. Gestation period is approximately 25 days and reports indicate litter sizes of at least seven in number.

These miniature little kangaroos do not need standing water and will obtain their moisture from their food!

Unfortunately this particular jerboa has many enemies, especially man and the populations in the Arabian Peninsula appear to be on the decline. Many areas, where Jerboa used to occur no longer show any signs of Jerboa. Hunting and habitat destruction presently and in the future are the biggest threats facing this adorable species.

 

Nile rat

This is a small rat, which can be distinguished from Praomys fumatus (Rock Rat) by its relatively shorter, more hirsute tail, smaller ears and harsher fur. The head is moderately pointed and the ears are small, broadly rounded, brownish and covered with short hairs.

Their colouring is generally pale speckled black and pale buff grey, with the rump more richly tinted than the rest of the body. Flanks are paler than the dorsal surface and the ventral surface is greyish white. Tail is nearly black above, grey or greyish brown below. The Arabian subspecies tends to have extensive ocherous hairs on the muzzle and there is almost a complete absence of a median dorsal stripe.

On the Arabian Peninsula this species is found to only occur in Yemen, where it is found near human habitation but never in buildings. It can be found in the ditches between cultivated fields and appears to prefer rank grass as a habitat. It has not been found in the desert areas or in reed beds. Out of Arabia it is a very typical species of the savannah and grasslands. It actively feeds by day and night.

 

Black Rat

This particular species is very widely distributed and is very common around human habitation. This species, like the Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is very water dependent and so does not occur in the very arid areas where water is scarce or non-existent. It should be noted that the map shows places where the Black Rat has been caught or found but its distribution would probably extend into most areas where human habitation is present.

The Black rat is much smaller than the Brown rat and much less robust. The distinguishing characteristic between the two species is the length of the tail and the Black rat will always have its tail longer than the body whereas the Brown rat has a tail, which is never longer than its head and body. The fur is harsh and bristly and the colouring is generally darker black grey but varies according to local variation.

The Black rat is an active climber and in Arabia often builds its nest in palm trees. It also constructs extensive burrow systems. It feeds on everything from human foodstuffs to crops, seeds, fruit, insects and molluscs but is very water dependent.

 

Brown Rat

This species of rat is much bigger and more robust than the Black Rat. Its tail unlike the Black rat is never longer than its head and body length. Colouring varies considerably but is generally dull ocherous buff on the back and flanks and speckled with black throughout. The under parts are greyish white in colour and the tail is black above and lighter buff below.

Its distribution is not as great as that of the Black Rat but in Arabia it seems to have invaded most of the major seaports and large population centres. Although the map shows only areas where Brown rats have been seen or caught, it is probable that its distribution is slightly larger and that there are more major ports and towns where they will occur, but where they have not been positively identified yet.

These rats attain sexual maturity at 3 months and reports claim that they will breed up to five times a year, producing anything from 2-12 young per litter. This species feeds on anything from carrion to eggs, refuse, excreta and will even attack young animals and chickens. It is known to cause great damage to grain stores and other foodstuffs. It is considered to be very dangerous from a health point of view since this species is known to carry plague, Weil's disease and intestinal infections. Due to its smaller distribution and habits it is thought to be less likely to convey plague to man than the Black Rat (Rattus rattus).

House Mouse

This species is a very small mouse with the head and body length generally under 100 mm. The soles are naked, which indicates no adaptation for sand living. The fur is soft, fine, and short with the colouring being ochraceous finely speckled with black on the dorsal surface. However there are many variations in individual colouring.

This species has a worldwide distribution mainly as a result of introduction by man. The map shows spot areas where House mice have been caught but its distribution is probably larger than is indicated due to no actual captures or records from many areas.

They can be found both in human dwellings as well as cultivated fields. The House mouse feeds on anything from dates to grain, grass, leguminous and root vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, seeds and human refuse. It can cause serious damage both in warehouses agricultural stores and dwellings.

Egyptian Spiny Mouse

This is a robust spiny mouse with the tail sub equal with the head and body. Scales on the tail are large and easily visible. The fur over the back from just below the shoulder region to the root of the tail and extending laterally to the upper flanks is composed of rigid spines. Elsewhere on the body the fur consists of fine hair. The top surface and flanks are sandy fawn in colour, variably darkened and speckled with greyish black on the crown of the head, nape of neck and on the spiny area. The under-parts are pure white with a sharp demarcation line on the flanks and cheeks. The upper lips, dorsal aspect of the feet and inner aspect of the limbs are also white in colour. There are prominent white patches or spots at the back of the ear bases, below each eye and below the notch of each pinna. The tail is light grey above and pale buff underneath.

The Spiny mouse favours all kinds of rocky areas and is capable of living in very arid steppe desert. It also occurs in very well vegetated areas of the Mediterranean hills. It has been found though that this species as well as the Golden Spiny mouse (Acomys russatus) both have a high rate of evaporative water loss and so are unable to exist on a totally dry diet. A. cahirinus is also very susceptible to cold. It has been known to feed on scorpions and camel spiders in captivity as well as the seeds of grasses and herbs.

Breeding is reported to take place all year round with peak seasons varying depending on local climatic differences. Gestation is approximately 45 days.

Golden Spiny Mouse

The golden Spiny mouse, unlike the Egyptian Spiny mouse (A. cahirinus) has spines running from the crown of the head along the whole dorsal surface and extending well down the flanks. The tail in this species is also always shorter than the head and body, unlike the Egyptian Spiny mouse (A. cahirinus). Colouring is a uniform light golden brown and the under parts are white. The soles and palms are naked and black in colour. There are also white patches below the eyes and behind the ears.

This species is found in similar areas to A. cahirinus but is confined to arid zones. Like the Egyptian Spiny mouse, the Golden Spiny mouse cannot exist on an exclusively dry diet due to their high evaporative water loss. It has been found that although A. cahirinus and A. russatus often occur in the same area, the Golden Spiny mouse is much more diurnal in nature. However where competition is reduced between the two species, both will be nocturnal in nature. A. russatus is also much more cold tolerant than A. cahirinus.

This species feeds on seeds of herbs and grasses and will eat certain insects, such as scorpions, locusts, crickets, camel spiders. Gestation is approximately 45 days and litter size is four.

Large Aden Gerbil

This species is a rather robust size and its tail is also quite broad and heavy for a gerbil. The tail is sparsely covered with short spiny hairs and has no tuft. The ears are rather small and there is a bald patch behind each of the ears. This is quite a distinguishing characteristic of this species of gerbil. The overall fur is rich fawn colour on the top and white underneath. The eyes have black rings around them and there is a greyish black patch on each cheek immediately behind the eye. The tail is brownish black above and pale below. Endemic to the south-western region of the Arabian Peninsula, notably Yemen and south western Saudi Arabia, these unique gerbils appear to be less adapted to the arid areas than most of their counterparts and are mostly found near human habitation, such as farms and cultivated areas.

For this reason food would most likely include any stored grains, seeds and cereals as well as favourable crops and food, which it finds around farm buildings.

Its breeding season is thought to occur throughout the year including the spring and summer months but like most desert rodents, breeding will peak during the autumn and winter months.

 

Baluchistan Gerbil

This particular species of gerbil is rather small but has a long tail, which is densely haired and has a terminal tuft. The fur is long and soft and its colouring is uniform pale sandy fawn with a slight greyish cast. The cheeks and flanks are paler sandy buff and the under parts are white. The distinguishing characteristic to identify this species from G. dasyurus is the fact that hair bases on the rump just above the tail are white and not grey as in G. dasyurus.

This gerbil prefers saline flats and semi-desert terrain to true sand desert.

In captivity this gerbil will feed on grasses, seeds and herbs as well as small insects. Gestation is approximately 25 days and breeding season is suggested to be winter and early Spring, although in optimum conditions breeding can take place all year round but still with peaks in winter and early spring.

 

Wagner's Gerbil

Very similar in size and colouring to G. nanus, G. dasyurus is also a small rodent with a long tail covered in hair and with a terminal tuft on the tail. The soles of the hind feet are naked indicating a non-sandy habitat. Colouration is pale sandy buff speckled with black from the crown of the head to the hindquarters. Under parts are white with a distinct demarcation line along the cheeks, flanks and neck. The distinguishing characteristic to identify this species from G. nanus is the fact that hair bases on the rump just above the tail are grey and not white as in G. nanus.

This particular species essentially inhabits rocky steppe desert but is also found in moist vegetated areas, such as the hills near Jerusalem. It is strictly nocturnal and it has been noted to forage large distances from its burrows at night. Reports from Saudi Arabia indicate a peak reproductive activity from February to July. In captivity they will feed on seeds, grasses and various herbs. Reproductive information on this species is scarce but gestation is thought to be similar to the other smaller gerbils, 20-25 days.

 

Cheesman's Gerbil

This species is slightly larger than G. dasyurus and G. nanus and has a tail with a scanty terminal tuft unlike the others, which have definite terminal tufts. Soles of the feet are hairy, coinciding with the sandy desert habitat of this species. The general colouration is a bright sandy buff, almost with a slight yellowish gold tinge to it. The whole under part is white with a very distinctive demarcation line along the flanks.

G. cheesmani inhabits areas of sparse vegetation and is well adapted for sandy areas. It is found at altitudes from sea level to 1240 m. In Saudi Arabia it has been found at many different habitats ranging from littoral zones desert plains. It's colouring blends in very well with the dune sand and it is virtually impossible to see if motionless. Reproduction appears to be year round but with probable peaks in winter and early spring. Gestation is approximately 20-25 days. Feeding in captivity includes grasses, herbs, seeds and small insects.

 

King Jird

This is a large species of rodent with long limbs and narrow hind feet. The fur is rough and much harsher in texture than other Jird species. Colouring is dark brown and speckled with black on the top surface while the flanks and cheeks are lighter in colour. The whole under part of the body as well as the lips, chin and inner limbs are a buff white in colour with a very indistinct demarcation line. The soles of the feet are naked indicating a non-sandy habitat.

The species is endemic to Arabia and occurs only in the south western side of the peninsula, where it has adapted for the environment of the Yemen highlands. It has been reported as active during the evening and early morning. It has been found both in cultivated and uncultivated areas and appears to be the most common rodent in the Yemen mountains. This species has been found at altitudes from 1350 to 2200 m.

Reproductive data for this species is very scarce as is information on natural food sources. In captivity they feed on seeds, grasses, fruit and vegetables as well as small insects.

 

Arabian Jird

Originally identified as Libyan Jirds, Meriones libyicus , the specimens from the UAE have now been named as a separate species the Arabian Jird or Meriones arimalius. This was based on a number of physical differences, one of which were the different skull measurements between M. libycus and M. arimalius. In fact the skull of an Arabian Jird more closely resembles that of the Sundevall’s Jird Meriones crassus. Since most of the old records for the Arabian Peninsula are noted down as M. libycus, and there are no physical specimens available to check, it is not yet known whether the specimens were M. libycus or M. arimalius.

There is currently a study ongoing at the BCEAW in Sharjah, UAE to determine more about this elusive species. What is so far known is the following:

This is larger rodent than the Sundevall’s Jird although they could be easily confused if you have very young individuals or if seen from a distance. Dorsal colouring is sandy orange gradually lightening on the flanks to white ventrally. Initially it was thought that claw colour for these rodents were dusky brown and could be distinguished from M. crassus, which has white claws, but specimens of both species have been caught showing both colourings on the claws. The tail of M. arimalius also differs from M. crassus by being rougher and less covered with hair. Soles of the feet are naked.

Not much is yet known about the behaviour of this species although from areas where they occur it seems that they live in loose colonies existing over a few burrow mounds. Gestation is not known but is probably similar to M. crassus, being approximately 24 days. A pregnant female was caught in November in the UAE so breeding peaks would coincide with the winter months.

Sundervall's Jird

This species of Jird is smaller in size than M. arimalius. The tail is also totally covered in hair but the terminal tuft is less developed. Soles of the hind feet are partially covered in hair, indicating adaptation to sand habitats. The fur is soft and dense and the colouration is generally a pale sandy colour. The whole of the under part is white with a clear demarcation line along the flanks and cheeks.

This species is a very social Jird and occurs in colonies. Burrows have been found in sandy hillocks and in Rhanterium steppe on limestone, which has been overblown with sand. Burrow systems are elaborate and have many chambers and entrances. Burrows can be 1,5 m deep and extend over an area of 5 m2. Mainly a nocturnal species, it has occasionally been seen in cooler daylight hours. Diet includes seeds, shoots, grasses and insects. Reproduction appears to peak in the winter and early Spring months and gestation is 22-24 days. Litter size has been reported at anything from 2-7.

 

Bushy-tailed Jird

This particular Jird is a mono specific species and specialised for living on rocky mountainsides. The tail differs from other species of Gerbil and Jirds in that it is bushy throughout its length in a feather like manner. Soles and palms are naked indicating a rocky habitat adaptation. The fur is soft, dense and silky with a uniform pale sandy buff colouration on the top. The under parts are pure white with a fairly distinct demarcation line on the flanks.

This species seems to favour precipitous mountain slopes, littered with granite fragments and boulders. It is able to subsist on dried vegetation and seeds and in captivity will eat grasses, mealworms, seeds and small insects. Reproductive information is scarce although young have been born in March in captivity. Probable peaks in reproductive periods are in winter and early spring like most rodents but this is not confirmed.

Indian Crested Porcupine

This species is the largest rodent found in Arabia and been reported to weigh up to 13 kg. Their muzzles are blunt and covered with hair all the way to the lips and nostril and they have rather small eyes and ears. Their forefeet have four digits while their hind feet have five digits. Both palms and soles are naked. The most distinguishing characteristic of this rodent however is the coarse, rigid pelage, which is made up of many spines or quills. Quills are lacking on the throat, muzzle and distal limbs but cover the posterior back from the mid-dorsal region down to the tail. These pliable, thin quills on the back tend to be white with dark bands, reaching up to 360mm, while the tail quills are short rigid and white in colour. These tail quills are called 'rattling quills' as they give off a rattling noise when they are shaken. The dorsal crest starts on the forehead and extends backwards to the middle of the back.

Occurring in many localities in Arabia, the rodent lives in large holes within colonies. Dens tend to be on elevated areas and hidden in vegetation. It is nocturnal and is known to cause large damage to vegetable crops. Gestation period is approximately 93-94 days, litter size is between 1-4 young and the babies are born with their eyes open and covered in short, soft spines.

Porcupines do not shoot their quills at their enemies, like some stories state! If startled, it will first erect its quills and shake its tail, making a hollow rattling sound. If attacked, the porcupine will charge backwards at its attacker spearing them with the rigid spines on their hindquarters. Some of these quills can become detached and remain imbedded in the attacker. Many a predator has ended up with infected wounds in the face from a porcupine attack.