Allow us to introduce you to our latest fascination: the jerboa. Sorry, puppies; you’ve been replaced.
Have you ever looked at an animal and thought, “How is that even possible?” It’s as if two completely different creatures (or maybe three or four—who’s counting?) found a way to create something extraordinary. This thought crossed our minds when we stumbled upon a viral video showcasing the most adorable oddity we’ve ever seen.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the jerboa.
Let’s imagine how this little creature came into existence:
Angel: “Hey, God, I know you’re tired, but could you whip up one more animal?”
God: “For the love of Me! Alright, let’s see what I’ve got lying around. Here’s some rabbit ears, a gerbil body, and a shrunken lion tail. Voila!”
Angel: “What about the legs, sir?”
God: “You’re really pushing it, Angel. Lucky for you, I have two mouse legs handy. Let’s throw on some hairless legs backward for fun, and finish it off with fluffy, hoof-like feet. Ta-da!”
Angel: “Um, it’s not the prettiest, sir.”
God: “Just add big eyes. And boom! There’s your miracle.”
Now that we’ve welcomed this quirky creature into our lives, let’s dive into some fascinating facts about the jerboa.
What is it?
The jerboa belongs to the dipodidae family, more commonly known as “jumping rodents”—a rather unfortunate name if you ask us. The term “jerboa” is charming, but we prefer the name given by the Kazakh people: “noodle hop hop.”
Are they fast?
Yes! Jerboas can leap at speeds of up to 16 miles per hour when startled, and given their nervous disposition, they likely hop quite a bit.
Why can’t I cuddle with one?
Unfortunately, jerboas primarily inhabit the deserts of Northern Africa and China. They’re nocturnal, which explains their large eyes and penchant for avoiding humans. During the daytime, they remain underground in various burrow types: a temporary summer burrow, a nighttime hunting burrow, a permanent summer burrow, and a cozy winter burrow.
Do they have friends? Can I be one?
Regrettably, jerboas are solitary creatures. Like Greta Garbo, they prefer to be alone… they just vant to be alone.
Are there different species?
Absolutely! There are about 31 species of jerboa, including pygmy jerboas, three-toed jerboas, dwarf fat-tails, and Iranian vegetarian jerboas. Some have short ears, while others sport long ones; the long-eared variety is endangered, adding to their allure.
Do they drink?
Nope, jerboas are total teetotalers. They derive all necessary moisture from the plants and animals they consume, never touching water.
Can I love one forever?
Yes, but you’ll be sharing that affection with other female jerboas. Evidence suggests they are polygamous, mating shortly after awakening from winter hibernation—without even brushing their teeth first, which is quite gross.
Are they intimidating?
Indeed! Jerboas were once symbolic of warfare. During World War II, the British 7th Armored Brigade nicknamed themselves “The Desert Rats,” likening their tactics to that of jerboas. Soldiers wore patches featuring these creatures, and a British artist even crafted a half-ton jerboa sculpture from discarded armored vehicles used in Afghanistan.
However, don’t even think about adopting one of these parched, fierce, solitary beings as a pet. They have been prohibited from entering the United States since 2003 due to concerns over monkeypox. For now, we can only watch videos of jerboas and fantasize about carrying one around like a tiny burrito.
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In summary, the jerboa is a truly unique creature that captures our hearts with its quirks and appearance. From its speedy hops to its solitary lifestyle, this adorable anomaly is a fascinating subject to explore.