The Indian gerbil (Tatera indica) also known as antelope rat, is a species of rodent in the family Muridae.
| Indian gerbil | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Genus: | Tatera Lataste, 1882 |
| Species: | T. indica
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| Binomial name | |
| Tatera indica (Hardwicke, 1807)
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It is found in western and southern Asia, from Syria east through to Bangladesh.[2]
It is the only species in the genus Tatera. Members of the genus Gerbilliscus have, historically, been placed in Tatera.
Description edit
Head and body length is 17–20 cm. Tail is 20–21 cm. 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.[3]
Reproduction edit
Both the sexes of this species lives apart. The relation between male and female gerbils is not known yet.[4]
Diet edit
Omnivorous. Known to eat grains, seeds, plants, roots, insects, reptiles and even small birds and mammals it can catch.[3]
References edit
- ^ Kryštufek, B.; Shenbrot, G.; Sozen, M.; Molur, S. (2017). "Tatera indica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T21514A22411969. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T21514A22411969.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Red List of Bangladesh : Volume 2 : Mammals" (PDF). Portals.iucn.org. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ a b Yapa, A.; Ratnavira, G. (2013). Mammals of Sri Lanka. Colombo: Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka. p. 1012. ISBN 978-955-8576-32-8.
- ^ Stephanie Mott. "ADW: Tatera indica: INFORMATION". Animaldiversity.org. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
Other sources edit
- Musser, G.G.; Carleton, M.D. (2005). "Superfamily Muroidea". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 1242. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
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