Name: Long-eared Jerboa
Scientific name: Euchoreutes naso
Mongolian name: Соотон алагдаахай
Other Mongolian names: Соотон алагдай, Соотон алагдаахай
The Long-eared Jerboa is a small desert rodent found in the dry desert and semi-desert regions of Mongolia and north-western China. It belongs to the jerboa family, a group of small jumping rodents that are well adapted to life in open, sandy, and dry landscapes.
The Long-eared Jerboa is one of the most unusual-looking small mammals of the Gobi region. It has a tiny body, very large ears, long hind legs, small front legs, and a long tail. Its ears are much larger than its head, which makes it easy to recognise. These large ears help it hear insects and detect danger in the dark.
Its body is usually light reddish-yellow, sandy brown, or pale brown, with a white belly. This colour helps it blend into the desert ground. Its long tail has a dark and pale tuft at the end and helps the animal balance when it jumps or runs across sand and gravel.
The Long-eared Jerboa is mainly active at night. During the day, it usually stays hidden in burrows to avoid heat and predators. At night, it comes out to search for food. It mostly eats insects and can catch flying insects by using its excellent hearing and quick jumping movements.
This animal moves by hopping on its long hind legs, similar to a tiny kangaroo. Its long feet and strong hind legs help it move quickly across open desert areas. The hairs on its feet also help it move on loose sand.
The Long-eared Jerboa is specially adapted to the harsh environment of the Gobi Desert. Its sandy colour gives camouflage, its large ears help with hearing, its long legs help with fast movement, and its burrowing behaviour helps it survive hot days and cold nights.
The Long-eared Jerboa is important for the desert ecosystem. It helps control insect populations and is part of the food chain for desert predators. Although it is small and rarely seen, it is one of the unique wild animals that represents the biodiversity of the Gobi region.
In Mongolia, the Long-eared Jerboa has been assessed as a vulnerable species because of habitat disturbance and decline in habitat quality. Threats may include mining, overgrazing, agriculture, roads, and other human activities that affect desert habitats. Protecting this species also helps protect the fragile Gobi Desert ecosystem.
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