The Mongolian Gerbil is generally less expensive to purchase than other less common varieties. Originating in Mongolia, the predecessors of today s domestic Mongolian Gerbil were first captured in the wild in 1935. They were first introduced into the United States about 30 years ago. In the wild the Mongolian Gerbil lives in the Xilinhot area of Mongolia. This area is a tropical steppe with thin grassy covering, herbs, shrubs and sandy soil.
Wild gerbils eat primarily roots and seeds.
Since the domestic Mongolian Gerbil has been kept for many years there are some differences between the wild type and the domestic. They wild type are not as easy to handle, they have larger eyes, longer ears and heads, and they have darker feet and display more yellow on their bellies. In addition the wild type has a more prominent tail tuft and thicker overall fur. Relatively Easy Mongolian Gerbils are easy to care for. They urinate very little because they drink so little.