- Common name: Mongolian Gerbil
- Scientific Name: Meriones unguiculatus
- Conservation status: Least Concern
- Habitat: Grassland, shrubland, and desert in China, Mongolia, and Russia
- Diet: Omnivorous, will forage for plants and eat insects
Gerbils are social animals who live in groups. When keeping gerbils as pets, they need to be kept in at least pairs, if not more. They rely on smell to identify members of their 'clan', and will attack and even kill gerbils with an unfamiliar scent.
Because gerbils are very social animals, they make great housepets. They were introduced to the West (France) in the 19th century by China, and were introduced to the United States in the 1950's
20-50% of gerbils have epilepsy. Typically, except in extreme cases, this is not fatal. It is recommended to avoid blowing air in their faces, as this very commonly causes seizures, to the extent that lab researchers use this method to induce seizures for research.
The Mongolian Gerbil has been domestically bred the longest of any species of gerbil, and has over 20 occurring coat patterns/colors. This variety is due to extensive selective breeding to make gerbils more suitable/attractive as pets.
Their body size is typically 110–135 mm, with a 95–120 mm tail, and body weight 60–130 g. Males are typically larger than females.
The lifespan of a pet gerbil is about two to four years. Most gerbils live for about 2.5 to 3.5 years. It is uncommon for a gerbil to live into their fourth year. Gerbils that live to be over 5 are extremely rare.