Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Rodent

Gerbil

Gerbils are small burrowing rodents in the subfamily Gerbillinae, native to arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Gerbils are small burrowing rodents native to arid regions of Africa and Asia. The Mongolian gerbil is the most common species kept as a pet.

What it is

Gerbils belong to the rodent subfamily Gerbillinae within the family Cricetidae. The group includes more than 100 species adapted to dry habitats such as deserts and grasslands across Africa and Asia.

Key details

Gerbils are social, burrowing animals that live in family groups and are active during low-light periods. They have an omnivorous diet consisting of seeds, plant material, and insects.

As a pet

The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is widely kept as a companion animal in homes and classrooms. In Canada, it is commonly sold through pet stores and breeders.

In short

  • Gerbils are burrowing rodents adapted to dry environments.
  • Over 100 species exist in the subfamily Gerbillinae.
  • Mongolian gerbil is the most common pet species.
  • Gerbils are social and live in groups.
Canadian angle

Gerbils are common small pets in Canada, especially the Mongolian gerbil, which is sold through pet stores and breeders and kept as a companion animal in homes and classrooms.

Quick questions

What is a gerbil?
A gerbil is a small burrowing rodent in the subfamily Gerbillinae, native to dry regions of Africa and Asia.
How many species of gerbil are there?
There are more than 100 recognised species, though counts vary slightly by source.
Are gerbils social animals?
Yes. Gerbils commonly live in family groups or colonies and are often described as social animals.

Sources

  1. RSPCA — https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/gerbils
    Supports: Mongolian gerbil as common pet species; habitat; burrowing behaviour; genus and family context.
  2. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/gerbil/274534
    Supports: General description; distribution; more than 110 species; subfamily classification; habitat; pet status.
  3. Omlet — https://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/gerbils/about_gerbils/gerbil_facts/
    Supports: Gerbillinae subfamily and species count context.
  4. MSD Veterinary Manual — https://www.msdvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/gerbils
    Supports: Gerbils also known as jirds or sand rats; pet and laboratory gerbil species.