Meet our latest obsession: the jerboa! Apologies to all the puppies out there.
Every so often, you come across an animal that leaves you questioning the very fabric of nature. Did a mash-up of multiple creatures lead to this delightful oddity? That’s exactly what we wondered when a charming video of this peculiar little critter took social media by storm.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce the jerboa!
Let’s imagine how this whimsical creature came to be:
Angel: “Hey, God, I know you’re busy, but could we squeeze in one more creation?”
God: “Oh, come on! Alright, let’s see what I have lying around. I’ve got some rabbit ears, a gerbil body, and a wee bit of lion tail—let’s downsize that. Done!”
Angel: “What about the legs?”
God: “You’re really testing my patience here! Luckily, I’ve got extra mouse legs. Let’s slap those on and for fun, let’s put the hairless ones backward and add some fluffy feet. Voilà!”
Angel: “It’s a bit… unusual.”
God: “Slap on some big eyes and boom, instant charm. God out.”
Now that we’ve welcomed this adorable anomaly, let’s dive into some fascinating facts about the jerboa.
What is a Jerboa?
The jerboa belongs to the dipodidae family, also known as “jumping rodents,” which may be the least appealing family name we’ve encountered. While “jerboa” has a nice ring to it, we prefer the term used by the Kazakh people: “noodle hop hop.”
Are they as fast as they look?
Absolutely! When startled, these little guys can leap up to 16 miles per hour. Given their nervous demeanor, we can only imagine how often they take off!
Why can’t I snuggle one?
Because jerboas primarily inhabit the deserts of Northern Africa and China, and they’re nocturnal. Those big eyes serve a purpose, helping them avoid us humans during the day as they burrow underground. They create four types of homes: a temporary summer burrow (a rental), a nighttime burrow for hunting (no deposit returned), a permanent summer burrow (near the kids), and a cozy winter burrow (nothing fancy, just warm).
Do they have friends, and can I join the club?
Sadly, jerboas prefer solitude. Like a certain iconic actress, they just want to be alone.
Are there different species?
Indeed! There are about 31 species of jerboas, including pygmy jerboas (tiny cuties!), three-toed jerboas (easily concealed), dwarf fat-tails (adorably plump), and Iranian vegetarian jerboas (a bit pretentious). Some have short ears while others sport long ones; the long-eared variety is endangered—because, naturally, we can’t have nice things.
Can I buy them a drink?
Nope! They’re teetotalers. Jerboas obtain all their hydration from the plants and animals they consume, never needing to sip from a water source.
Can I love one forever?
Sure, as can many other female jerboas! They may be polygamous, and interestingly enough, they often mate right after waking from winter hibernation—before even brushing their teeth. Yikes!
Were they ever considered fearsome?
You guessed it! During World War II, the British 7th Armored Brigade dubbed themselves “The Desert Rats” because of their similar tactics to this creature. Soldiers in this brigade wore patches featuring jerboas, and a British artist even created a half-ton sculpture of one using scrap materials from armored vehicles. Why not, right?
Unfortunately, you can’t keep a jerboa as a pet. Since 2003, they’ve been banned from entering the U.S. due to associations with monkeypox. For now, we’ll simply enjoy jerboa videos and dream of the day we can carry one around like a plush burrito.
Before you go, if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination and related topics, check out this resource and this excellent guide to help you on your journey. And if you’re looking for tools, this site is a great authority on at-home insemination.
To sum up, the jerboa is a fascinating mix of adorable and bizarre, making it a unique addition to the animal kingdom that continues to capture our hearts.