The Jaculus Jaculus

Better known as the Lesser Egyptian Jerboa, the Jaculus Jaculus is part of the rodent family and shows several special adaptations to living in an arid desert environment – including Sir Bani Yas.

Physical Features:

- Looks like a miniature kangaroo with long, strong back legs for jumping – this makes it easier to escape its predator. It has the ability to leap a full three meters to escape a predator.  It also  jumps in a zig-zag pattern when fleeing to confuse the predator

- Like many other desert dwelling creatures the jerboa has large ears for dissipating heat

- Colouration – the Jerboa is buff in colour so it blends in with the sandy environment in which it lives

- The lesser Egyptian jerboa has three toes on each of its hind feet and a very long tail, used for balance when jumping

- It has large eyes and ears for detecting insects and watching for predators

- It has a stubby snout

This species is widely distributed throughout North Africa, Arabia, Iran, and is particularly abundant in Egypt – hence, the name. It does not need to drink at all, but relies on its food to provide enough moisture for its survival. Jerboas become sexually mature at 8-12 months old, and breeding is known to occur at least twice a year, between June to July and from October to December. These species are usually silent unless threatened or disturbed, which is when they start making grunting noises or loud squeaks to try and put the predator off.

Ostrich move

image taken by Aimee Cokayne

Recently, an adult large female ostrich needed to be moved into a new enclosure, and because of her size, she needed to be handled carefully as ostriches have a powerful and dangerous kick. During the process, the conservation team – who caught her – were instructed by their manager, Marius Prinsloo, who has many years experience in game capture, on how to catch and transport an ostrich safely. 

The ostrich is initially very gently caught with a hook around its neck in much the same way as shepherds use a crook on their sheep, and then the ostrich’s eyes are covered by a sock so as to help keep it calm.  Two people walk on either side of the bird, each holding a wing to guide the bird, and one person holds the neck to direct the animal forward or backwards.

We are happy to confirm that the ostrich has settled in and is very happy in its larger, and more spacious home.

There are currently 20 ostriches on SBY most of which are free ranging in the Arabian Wildlife Park.  Several ostriches have bred successfully in the Park and guests can often see ostrich chicks foraging with their parents.