Indian gerbil
| Indian gerbil | ||||||||||||
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Indian gerbil ( Tatera indica ), drawing by Thomas Hardwicke |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name of the genus | ||||||||||||
| Tatera | ||||||||||||
| Lataste , 1882 | ||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the species | ||||||||||||
| Tatera indica | ||||||||||||
| ( Hardwicke , 1807) |
The Indian bare- sole gerbil ( Tatera indica ) is a rodent in the subfamily of gerbils (Gerbillinae) and the only representative of the monotypic genus Tatera . In various older treatises the bare-sole gerbils ( Gerbilliscus ) were classified in Tatera .
features
Five specimens measured during a study in 2001 had an overall length of 368 to 480 mm, a tail length of 181 to 198 mm, 45 to 59 mm long hind feet and a weight of 200 to 270 g. The hair on the top has an ash gray base, a yellow middle section and black tips. This results in a speckled yellowish- fawn to orange-brown tint for the fur on the upper side . On the cheeks as well as on the sides of the body, the color changes to dirty white, while the underside is pure white. There are light circles under the eyes. The tail is covered with short hair, with the exception of the black tassel on top. The 28 to 30 mm long ears are almost bare.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Indian gerbil extends from southeastern Turkey via Syria , Iraq , Iran , Afghanistan and Pakistan to India , Sri Lanka and southern Nepal . This gerbil can be found in the lowlands and in regions up to 2000 meters above sea level. It can adapt to different arid habitats . The species was found in deserts and semi-deserts, in grasslands, in bushes, in deciduous forests, in rocky areas and on arable land. However, it avoids regions with intensive agriculture.
Way of life
The Indian bare-sole gerbil digs underground tunnel systems with two exits that resemble a Y in shape. Due to the high outside temperatures, the deepest areas of the building are lower in summer. With the exception of females with young animals, each specimen inhabits its own den. The animals are nocturnal and usually stay near the burrow. Small scuffles can occur between individuals in neighboring burrows.
The composition of the food varies depending on the distribution and season. Grains and seeds are mainly ingested during wet months. In contrast, fresh seeds only play a subordinate role. In the dry periods the food consists mainly of grass rhizomes . Throughout the year insects and other invertebrates are a complement. Occasionally this gerbil hunts other small mammals. Furthermore, cannibalism on one's own young animals occurs in various cases .
The reproductive behavior was mainly determined using laboratory animals . With these, females were ready to mate at different times of the year. After a gestation of 21 to 30 days, up to 10 young animals were born, mostly 5 or 6. They weigh about 3 g and are blind and helpless. You open your eyes after two weeks and receive breast milk for around 24 days. The sexual maturity occurs in females average after 77 days, while male sexual maturity about after 91 days. Individual specimens reached an age of 7 years in captivity.
Indian gerbils and humans
On the one hand, the animals are considered to be pests if they eat grain , maize or other crops. On the other hand, they represent a considerable agricultural aid, as weeds, groundworms and insect larvae are among their food.
The species is hunted as a meat supplier in southern India.
There is no significant threat to the entire population. The IUCN lists the Indian gerbil as Least Concern .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Ed.): Mammal Species of the World . A taxonomic and geographic Reference . 3. Edition. 2 volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 (English, Tatera , Tatera indica ).
- ↑ N. Yigit et al. A Study on the Distribution, Morphology and Karyology of Tatera indica , Turk J Zool, 25 (2001) 67-70.
- ↑ a b c d e f Stephanie Mott: Indian gerbil in the Animal Diversity Web of the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
- ↑ a b Tatera indica in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016.2. Posted by: Kryštufek, B., Shenbrot, G., Sozen, M. & Molur, S., 2008. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
- ↑ a b M.RN Prasad food of the Indian Gerbille , The Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, Volume 52, 1954, pp 321-325
- ^ Tatera indica , The Animal Aging and Longevity Database