Long-Eared Jerboa

The long‑eared jerboa (Euchoreutes naso) belongs to the order Rodentia, family Dipodidae, and is the sole species of the genus Euchoreutes. It inhabits the arid and semi‑arid steppes of Central Asia, with confirmed populations in Mongolia, northern China (Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi) and parts of Kazakhstan. This nocturnal rodent favors open desert grasslands, sandy dunes, and sparsely vegetated steppe where it can dig shallow burrows. Its most striking feature is the exceptionally large, tufted ears that can exceed the length of its head, providing acute hearing for predator detection. Long, powerful hind limbs enable rapid bipedal hopping, while the short forelimbs are used for digging and handling food. Fur coloration ranges from sandy brown on the dorsal side to a paler ventral surface, offering camouflage against the substrate. The IUCN classifies the species as Least Concern, citing a relatively wide distribution and an apparently stable population, although localized declines have been noted where agricultural expansion fragments its habitat.

Long‑eared jerboas are primarily solitary, with each adult maintaining an exclusive home range that may overlap minimally with neighbors during the breeding season. They are strictly nocturnal, emerging at dusk to forage and returning to their burrows before sunrise. Locomotion is dominated by bipedal hopping, allowing bursts of speed up to 10 m s⁻¹ to evade predators such as owls and foxes. Burrows are simple, shallow tunnels lined with shredded vegetation, providing shelter from extreme temperatures and predators. Communication relies on a combination of scent marking—using urine and glandular secretions—and soft vocalizations, including chirps and squeaks, which are most frequent during courtship and territorial encounters. Seasonal activity peaks in spring and early summer when food resources are abundant.

The long‑eared jerboa is an opportunistic omnivore with a strong insectivorous component. Its diet consists of seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, green shoots, and a variety of arthropods such as beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. Seasonal shifts are evident: during the dry summer months, the proportion of insects rises to up to 40 % of intake, while in early spring the jerboa relies more heavily on stored seeds. Food is collected during nocturnal foraging trips and may be cached near burrow entrances for later consumption. Water requirements are minimal; the animal obtains most moisture from its prey and succulent plant parts. Foraging efficiency is enhanced by its acute hearing, which helps locate hidden insects beneath the sand.

Sexual maturity is reached at about three to four months of age for both sexes. Breeding occurs once a year, typically from April to June, timed with the peak availability of seeds and insects. After a gestation period of roughly 30 days, females give birth to litters of two to four altricial young. The newborns are blind, hairless, and weigh less than 1 g. The mother nurses them in the safety of the burrow for approximately three weeks, after which the juveniles begin to explore the surface and practice hopping. Weaning is completed by four weeks, and the young become independent by six weeks of age. Both sexes may breed in their first year, contributing to relatively rapid population turnover under favorable conditions.

The IUCN lists Euchoreutes naso as Least Concern, yet several localized threats could affect future stability. Habitat conversion to agriculture and livestock grazing reduces the availability of open steppe and degrades burrowing substrates. Mining activities in parts of Mongolia and northern China fragment populations and increase exposure to pollutants. Climate change poses a longer‑term risk by altering precipitation patterns, potentially leading to desertification of marginal habitats. Predation by introduced species such as domestic cats and dogs adds additional pressure. Although precise population numbers are lacking, estimates suggest more than 10,000 mature individuals across its range, with a presumed stable trend, but ongoing monitoring is recommended to detect any rapid declines.

• The long‑eared jerboa’s ears can be up to three times longer than its head, providing exceptional auditory sensitivity.
• It can leap up to 2 meters in a single bound, using its elongated hind limbs.
• Unlike many rodents, it has a reduced number of teeth—only eight cheek teeth on each side.
• Its fur changes color slightly with the seasons, becoming lighter in summer to reflect heat.
• Long‑eared jerboas are capable of entering a state of torpor during extreme cold, reducing metabolic rate to conserve energy.