Inhabits shrubby thickets in flood-plains and forest belts (in Astrakhan semidesert); also oases and shrubby semi-deserts with some grass cover. In NW parts of the range it is expanding its range and occupying new lands that have appeared as the Caspian Sea has dried out; however, in the Aral Sea region the species' range has stayed the same despite the availability of new lands. Lives in family groups, occasionally forming small colonies without social structure. Besides seeds, a considerable proportion of its diet is made up of vegetative parts of plants. Reproduction starts in February to March (western parts of the range) or March to April (eastern parts of the range) and lasts for about six months. Breeding intensity decreases during hot months. Females that have overwintered usually give birth to three litters per year; young females generally start reproduction in June. Litter size is about 4-5 young.

Tamarisk gerbils have head-rump measurements averaging 15-18 cm and a tail length of approximately 15 cm (Sokolov and Orlov, 1980). Dorsal coloration varies from yellow through to sandy or grey, in some cases it may be dark brown, with a white or pale underside. The hairs on its back have black tips, giving the sides of the body a lighter appearance. The tail hairs become long and bushy towards the tip (Nowak, 1991).

Red List Category

Red List Criteria

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Justification

History

• 1996
  Lower Risk/least concern

It is a common species within much of its range, although populations undergo fluctuations in density every 2-3 years. Usually does not form colonies, but in Kazakhstan density could reach 30-50 individuals per hectare. A considerable pest of grain-crops, melons and gourds. In Central Asia population density considerably increase during cereals ripening. Same as other gerbil species is a natural carrier of plague and other diseases agents. Population size is under observation of plague control services.

Unknown

No major threats to this species are known. In parts of the range (e.g. in Mongolia) habitat degradation, particularly through trampling and browsing of tamarisk by domestic camels may be a local problem. Low levels of human disturbance, and competition for tamarisk with domestic camels, may also constitute local threats. Drying of water sources and droughts threaten this species, although it remains unclear if these represent natural environmental changes or are driven by anthropogenic activity.

This species occurs in some protected areas. Listed as Rare in the 1997 Mongolian Red Book (MNE, 1997). Approximately 23% of the species’ range in Mongolia occurs within protected areas.