Gerbils dig the soil with their short, but strong front legs, and kick the earth out with their hind legs. The gerbil burrow system has more than one exit, this gives them more escape routes, in case a pursuer entered the burrow system. The tunnels are mostly dug near vegetation, in this way plant roots can support the tunnels. Normally, there is one gerbil family living in a burrow system, but sometimes there is a co-operation between different families, especially when it comes to warning for danger. Gerbils usually stay near their burrow system, also when they are foraging.
Gerbils are typical desert animals.
They can hear very well, are good in retaining water and are capable to store water in fat cell layers. They are very economic with water, they produce little urine, and their faeces is also very dry. Unlike most desert animals, the Mongolian gerbil is not a characteristic nocturnal animal. During the hottest and coldest periods of the day, the gerbil stays in its burrow. By turns the gerbil undergoes periods of sleep and periods of activity.