Persian Jird

Coat and looks how to spot one

Short fur; long tail ending in a brush

A sizeable jird with a body of around 15 cm and a tail slightly longer than that, finished with a tufted brush at the tip. It has brown upperparts and a white belly.1

Personality what they are like

An energetic, agile jird that enjoys climbing and leaping. In the wild it is adaptable and comfortable in rocky places and even around buildings.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Highly active and athletic; it needs room to climb and jump as well as to dig.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs no coat grooming; offer hiding spots and keep the enclosure dry and clean.1

Home where they are happiest

Keepers are advised to provide a large cage that gives space for climbing and leaping. Wild jirds shelter in small burrows or under overhanging rocks, so hides and rocky structures are welcome.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In the wild it eats dry plant material and grains, topped up with small insects.1

The story where it all began

Described by William Thomas Blanford in 1875, the Persian jird is widespread and common across south-west and south Asia. It is plentiful enough that researchers have suggested it as a useful species for environmental monitoring.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Wild species assessed as Least Concern1