Indian gerbil

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Indian gerbil
File:Tatera indica Hardwicke.jpg
Scientific classification
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Genus:
Tatera

Lataste, 1882
Species:
T. indica
Binomial name
Tatera indica
(Hardwicke, 1807)

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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.

Known as "weli meeya" or වැලි මීයා in Sinhala meaning 'Sand mouse".

Description

Head and body length is 17-20cm. Tail is 20-21cm. 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.[1]

Reproduction

Both the sexes of this species lives apart. The relation between male and female gebrils is not known yet.[2]

Diet

Omnivorous. Known to eat grains, seeds, plants, roots, insects, reptiles and even small birds and mammals it can catch up..[1]

Notes

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References

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  • Musser, G. G. and M. D. Carleton. 2005. Superfamily Muroidea. pp. 894–1531 in Mammal Species of the World: a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.

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