Jerboa

desert · rodent · hopper · nocturnal

Champion hoppers. Jerboas have huge hind legs and tiny front legs, letting them bounce across hot desert sand incredibly fast. They can leap up to 6 feet in a single bound.

Night creatures. These rodents only come out after dark to hunt for seeds and insects. During the scorching day, they stay hidden in underground burrows where it's cool.

Desert survivors. Jerboas live in the hot deserts of North Africa and across Asia, from sandy wastelands to rocky badlands. They have special adaptations like furry feet to protect them from burning sand.

Huge ears. Some jerboas have enormous ears that help them hear the tiniest sounds in the quiet desert night. Their big ears also help them lose heat and stay cool.

Quick escape artists. When a jerboa senses danger, it can zigzag and bounce in crazy directions to confuse predators. Their speed and agility make them hard to catch.