Family: MURID^E 

 Sub-family : GERBILLIN^ 



THE GERBILLE 



Otherwise known as the Duin Rat or 



Nacht Muis (Night Mouse) 



ALTHOUGH a member of the mouse tribe, the 

 Gerbille can easily be recognised by its short fore- 

 legs and large back ones, which give it a kangaroo- 

 like appearance ; also in the following ways : 



(1) Its eyes are comparatively large. 



(2) The incisor or front teeth are narrow, and 

 the upper ones have a longitudinal groove. 



(3) The crowns of the molar teeth are sub- 

 divided into transverse laminae. 



The Gerbilles are nocturnal and diurnal. They 

 inhabit Southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. 



In South Africa they occur in every part of the 

 country. Although also found in the fertile eastern 

 side of South Africa, the Gerbilles may be termed 

 a desert-loving race of rodents, for, as a general 

 rule, they are found in the arid desert-like districts. 



There are a considerable number of species of 

 Gerbilles in South Africa, most of which inhabit 



