Kingdom Animalia Order Rodentia Genus Allactaga Scientific name Allactaga euphratica Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Family Dipodidae Subgenus Paralactaga Higher classification Allactaga | |
Similar Allactaga, Rodent, Mammal, Dipodidae, Small five‑toed j | ||
The Euphrates jerboa (Allactaga euphratica) is a rodent of the family Dipodidae and genus Allactaga. They are characteristically known as hopping rodents. They have been found in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and also occurs very marginally in south-eastern Turkey. The Euphrates jerboa's natural habitats are semi-deserts, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland and hot deserts.
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Physical appearance
Similar to the other jerboas in the genus Allactaga, the Euphrates jerboa are small hopping rodents of desert regions and have large ears and a long tail. The tail assists and serves as support when the jerboa is standing upright. They have “long hind feet and short forelegs, and always walk upright”. The forelimbs of the Euphrates Jerboa serve as a pair of hands for feeding, grooming, etc. The male Euphrates jerboa is usually larger in size and weight in comparison to the female.
Reproduction
The Euphrates jerboa reproductive activity depends on the seasons. Females may give birth to up to nine young. In Turkey, breeding season spans from March to July. In Iraq, breeding season ranges from February to May. It is possible for the female to have three litters per year. The Euphrates Jerboa is born an average weight of 2.74 grams.
Conservation status
The Euphrates jerboa was listed on the Near Threatened List by the IUCN Red List. They may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future.