lesser Egyptian jerboa
jaculus jaculus latin

The lesser Egyptian jerboa inhabits desert areas, which may be either sandy or rocky.

The lesser Egyptian jerboa has three toes on each of its hind feet and a very long tail, used for balance when jumping.

The lesser Egyptian jerboa lives in burrows, dug in counter clockwise spirals with its forelimbs and teeth, which it uses for a variety of functions.

On the whole, the lesser Egyptian jerboa is silent but when disturbed or handled it can emit grunting noises or shrill shrieks.

The lesser Egyptian jerboa is a strictly nocturnal species, feeding on seeds, insects and succulent parts of desert grasses, which it detects using its acute sense of smell.

Collectively, the species within the genus may be commonly referred to as "desert jerboas", although this more particularly applied to the Lesser Egyptian Jerboa (Jaculus jaculus).

The lesser Egyptian jerboa can travel long distances in search of food, up to ten kilometres a day, which it easily covers thanks to its large feet and hopping stride; the jerboa is known to leap up to three metres in a single bound.

Collectively, the species within the genus may be commonly referred to as "desert jerboas", although this more particularly applied to the Lesser Egyptian Jerboa (Jaculus jaculus).