Specimen Showcase｜The Miniature Kangaroo of the Desert
- Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
Imagine a tiny creature hopping across the vast desert landscape, covering distances that seem impossible for its size. Meet 𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘫𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘶𝘴 (Linnaeus, 1758), a fascinating rodent that lives within the arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa. This small mammal, measuring around 10 to 15 centimeters in body length, excluding its long tail which can add an additional 20 to 25 centimeters, and typically weighing between 55 to 80 grams, reminiscent of a miniature kangaroo, has adapted remarkably well to its harsh environment, making it a true marvel of nature.🦘
The Lesser Egyptian Jerboa thrives in desert areas, where the scorching sun dominates the daytime sky☀️. To avoid the extreme heat of the day, these nocturnal rodents emerge only at night when temperatures are cooler, making the most of the calm desert evenings. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, insects, and succulent plants, which provide them with all the moisture they need. Remarkably, jerboas do not need to drink water; instead, they extract moisture from their food💧, a vital adaptation for survival in such dry conditions, one that you may expect in science fiction movies like Dune.
These incredible creatures are also master architects. By day, they retreat into intricately dug burrows that serve as safe havens from the sun and predators. These burrows are not only homes but also nurseries for raising their young and sanctuaries for hibernation during winter🏠. They are very organized, with different burrows having specific uses. The burrows are categorized for day use, night use, hibernation, and nursery purposes.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Lesser Egyptian Jerboa is its extraordinary ability to hop great distances. Thanks to their unique anatomy, these little rodents, averaging 10 cm in length, can leap up to three meters in a single bound! If a human possessed similar jumping prowess, it would be equivalent to jumping over an entire basketball court in a single leap⛹️♂️. Besides strong muscle contraction, this incredible feat is enabled by their unique metatarsal bones, which are fused into a single elongated structure known as the cannon bone💣. Acting as a lever, this bone grants them the ability to launch into the air with remarkable power. Moreover, their hind legs, which are frequently up to four times the length of their front legs, provide the essential leverage for their impressive leaps. This remarkable jumping ability is not just for show; it is a crucial survival mechanism. When faced with predators such as vipers and foxes, the jerboa's powerful hops allow it to make a swift and effective escape, bounding away to safety in a flash. Unlike kangaroos, their long legs won't kick predators; they are just for running away.
But the jerboa's unique features don't stop there. Their tails, which are often longer than their body, play a crucial role in balance and steering while they hop. This long, tufted tail helps them stabilize during their impressive leaps and changes in direction, making them agile and elusive to predators. Their large feet are another remarkable adaptation🦶. The jerboa's feet are covered in stiff hairs, which increase the surface area and provide traction, allowing them to move swiftly and efficiently across the loose, shifting sands of the desert. These specialized feet also aid in "sand bathing," a behaviour where the jerboa rolls in the sand to clean its fur and remove parasites, ensuring they stay healthy in their harsh habitat.🏜️
In their ecosystem, the lesser Egyptian jerboa plays a vital role. As seed dispersers, they contribute to the health and diversity of desert plant life. By foraging for seeds from species like Halfa Grass (𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘺𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘢) and Wild Mustard (𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴) and inadvertently spreading them through their droppings, they help maintain the balance of their ecosystem. 🌱
Interested in meeting this fascinating rodent? Join a tour at the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum to see this small but extraordinary jerboa. Hope you can spot it! And don’t hesitate to share that story with others, it’s just one click away. 🙌
Text: Ray Ng
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