Gerbil vs. Jerboa — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 1, 2024
Gerbils are small, burrowing rodents known for their sociability and tail tufts, while jerboas are notable for their extremely long hind legs and tail, adapted for jumping in desert environments.
Difference Between Gerbil and Jerboa
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gerbils are often kept as pets and belong to the subfamily Gerbillinae, primarily known for their robust building and burrowing behaviors, which are crucial for their survival in their native desert habitats. Jerboas, part of the family Dipodidae, are distinct for their incredible jumping abilities, facilitated by their long hind legs, which resemble those of a kangaroo.
The typical habitat for gerbils includes arid, sandy areas where they can dig extensive burrow systems for protection against predators and extreme temperatures. In contrast, jerboas inhabit similar environments but rely more on their ability to jump long distances to escape predators and navigate their terrain quickly.
Gerbils have a more rounded appearance with shorter legs and tails often ending in a tuft of fur, which aids in their balance while they move and dig. Jerboas, however, are characterized by their long, tufted tails that provide stability and balance during their high-speed jumps across sandy surfaces.
Social behavior differs significantly between the two; gerbils are known for their sociability and often thrive in groups, showing complex social structures. Jerboas tend to be more solitary creatures, coming together only during the breeding season and otherwise avoiding each other.
When it comes to diet, both gerbils and jerboas are omnivorous but with preferences influenced by availability in their harsh environments. Gerbils often feed on seeds and grains, occasionally supplementing with insects, whereas jerboas have a similar diet but might also include more plant matter and insects depending on the species and specific habitat needs.
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Comparison Chart
Family
Muridae (subfamily Gerbillinae)
Dipodidae
Habitat
Arid, sandy deserts
Arid deserts and semi-deserts
Appearance
Rounded body, shorter legs, tufted tail
Slim body, very long hind legs and long tail
Social Behavior
Sociable, live in groups
Solitary, except during breeding
Movement
Burrowing and running
Jumping long distances
Diet
Seeds, grains, occasional insects
Seeds, plants, insects
Compare with Definitions
Gerbil
A small, burrowing rodent with a tufted tail, often kept as a pet.
The children were delighted by their new pet gerbil's energetic antics.
Jerboa
A rodent distinguished by its long hind legs and ability to jump.
The jerboa leapt across the sand dunes with ease.
Gerbil
They primarily feed on seeds and grains.
He refilled the gerbil's feeder with a mix of seeds and grains.
Jerboa
Solitary by nature, jerboas only interact for mating purposes.
The male jerboa approached the female cautiously, signaling the start of their brief interaction.
Gerbil
Gerbils are known for their sociability and complex social interactions.
Their gerbils built an intricate network of tunnels in their large enclosure.
Jerboa
Diet includes plants and insects, adapted to scarce resources.
This jerboa was spotted nibbling on a plant, supplementing its usual insect diet.
Gerbil
Gerbils can be very active and enjoy digging and climbing.
The gerbil spent the afternoon digging through the sand in its cage.
Jerboa
Jerboas are mostly nocturnal and thrive in desert settings.
At night, the jerboa emerges to forage for food under the cover of darkness.
Gerbil
Native to desert regions, gerbils are well-adapted to arid environments.
Gerbils use their burrowing habits to escape the desert heat.
Jerboa
They have very long tails that help balance their jumps.
The jerboa's long tail flicked back and forth as it navigated the rocky terrain.
Gerbil
Any of various small, mouselike rodents of the genus Gerbillus and other genera of the subfamily Gerbillinae, having long hind legs and a long tail and inhabiting arid regions of Africa and Asia.
Jerboa
Jerboas (from Arabic: جربوع jarbūʻ ) are hopping desert rodents found throughout North Africa and Asia, and are members of the family Dipodidae. They tend to live in hot deserts.When chased, jerboas can run at up to 24 km/h (15 mph).
Gerbil
A Mongolian jird (Meriones unguiculatus) of the subfamily Gerbillinae, commonly domesticated and kept as a pet.
Jerboa
Any of various small nocturnal leaping rodents of the family Dipodidae of Asia and northern Africa, having long hind legs and a long tufted tail.
Gerbil
A member of one of several species of small, jumping, murine rodents, of the genus Gerbillus and certain other genera in subfamily Gerbillinae, with leaping powers resembling those of the jerboa, native to Africa, India, and Southern Europe.
Jerboa
Any of a number of species comprising most of the family Dipodidae, native to the deserts of Asia and northern Africa, being a small, jumping rodent with a long tufted tail, very small forefeet and very long hind legs.
Gerbil
(intransitive) To rotate inside a monowheel or similar apparatus due to sudden acceleration or braking.
Jerboa
Any small jumping rodent of the genus Dipus, esp. Dipus Ægyptius, which is common in Egypt and the adjacent countries. The jerboas have very long hind legs and a long tail.
Gerbil
One of several species of small, jumping, murine burrowing rodents, of the genus Gerbillus and related genera of the subfamily Gerbillinae. They have long soft pale fur and hind legs adapted for leaping. In their leaping powers they resemble the jerboa. They inhabit Africa, India, and Southern Europe.
Jerboa
Mouselike jumping rodent
Gerbil
A rodent (Meriones unguiculatus) of the subfamily Gerbillinae that is commonly kept as a pet; it is also called the tamarisk gerbil, sand rat and jird. Its natural habitats are the dry regions of Northern Africa and Asia.
Gerbil
Small Old World burrowing desert rodent with long soft pale fur and hind legs adapted for leaping
Common Curiosities
What is a gerbil?
A gerbil is a small, sociable rodent often kept as a pet, known for its burrowing habits and tufted tail.
How do gerbils and jerboas differ in appearance?
Gerbils have a more rounded body with shorter legs and a tufted tail, while jerboas feature a slimmer body with significantly longer hind legs and a long tail for balance.
What do gerbils eat?
Gerbils primarily consume seeds and grains, occasionally eating insects.
Are jerboas social animals?
No, jerboas are largely solitary, only coming together to mate.
What is a jerboa?
A jerboa is a small desert rodent known for its long hind legs and jumping abilities, adapted to life in arid environments.
Can gerbils and jerboas be kept as pets?
Gerbils are commonly kept as pets; jerboas, however, are less common and often have specific care needs due to their natural behaviors and habitat requirements.
What do jerboas eat?
Jerboas typically eat seeds, plants, and insects, depending on what's available in their environment.
What are the typical habitats of gerbils and jerboas?
Both inhabit arid, desert regions, but gerbils are more adapted to burrowing, while jerboas are adapted to jumping and fast movements to evade predators.
Why are jerboas considered good at evading predators?
Their long legs provide fast and agile movement, allowing them to jump long distances quickly to escape threats.
Do gerbils require a lot of space to live?
While gerbils can adapt to smaller spaces, they thrive in environments that allow them to dig and explore.
How do gerbils adapt to their environment?
Gerbils adapt through their burrowing behavior, which helps them avoid extreme temperatures and predators.
How do gerbils communicate?
Gerbils communicate through various vocalizations, body language, and even scent markings, especially within their social groups.
How do jerboas survive in the desert?
Jerboas survive through their nocturnal habits, which help them avoid daytime heat, and their ability to efficiently use limited water and food resources.
What unique adaptations do jerboas have?
Jerboas have long hind legs for jumping, which helps them cover large distances quickly in their desert habitats.
How are gerbils and jerboas similar?
Both are small rodents adapted to living in harsh, arid environments and have omnivorous diets.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
