Subfamily Gerbillinae Scientific name Tatera indica Higher classification Tatera Order Rodent | Genus TateraLataste, 1882 Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Tatera, Rodent, Indian desert jird, Libyan jird, Balochistan gerbil | ||
Black eagle with prey indian gerbil
The Indian gerbil (Tatera indica) also known as "Antelope rat", is a species of gerbil in the family Muridae. It is found in Afghanistan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Syria. It is the only species in the genus Tatera. Members of the genus Gerbilliscus have historically been placed in the genus Tatera.
Contents
Known as "weli meeya" or වැලි මීයා in Sinhala meaning 'Sand mouse".
Description
Head and body length is 17–20 cm. Tail is 20–21 cm. Dorsal surface including entire head is light brown or light brown with rusty wash. Underparts are white. Tail fully furred, dark blackish brown with grayish sides and prominent black tuft on tip. Fur on body soft, sparse underneath; tail fur is longer. Eyes are large and prominent. Bounding gait is distinguished when running.
Reproduction
Both the sexes of this species lives apart. The relation between male and female gebrils is not known yet.
Diet
Omnivorous. Known to eat grains, seeds, plants, roots, insects, reptiles and even small birds and mammals it can catch up.
