Sundevall's jird (Meriones crassus ) is a species of rodent in the family of Muridae. It is found in Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Pakistan, Morocco, Niger, Palestine, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Western Sahara, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and possibly Mali. Its natural habitat is hot deserts.
Sundevall's jird is a medium-sized gerbilline rodent with an average mass of about 100 g (3.53 oz). They can range in sizes depending on sex. The average length (not including the tail) is about 15 cm (5.91 in). Their tails can be as long as their bodies. Sundevall's jird has a soft, fine, light brown fur, with a lighter underbelly.
The Sundevall's jird is found in dry habitats like deserts across northern Africa. It can be found in rocky areas, but prefers sand-like soil. They create burrows in the sand where they create nests.
Like any mammal, the Sundevall's jird cares for its offspring by producing milk. Being a relatively small mammal, the Sundevall's jird must intake an increased amount of calories in order to produce enough milk. Gestation can last between 18 and 22 days and they give birth to between 2 and 7 pups. Young are born without fur, are blind, and have very long whiskers. The breeding season for Sundevall's jird is from January to September, with peak times from February to May.
