Despite its common name, the Paeba Hairy-footed Gerbil does not belong to the same genus as the large African gerbils, but to a distinct genus of smaller species with hair-covered feet extending to the claws—an adaptation for travelling over loose sand without sinking. It inhabits arid regions of southern Africa, where it digs shallow burrows that are sealed during the day.
A small rodent with hind feet covered in hair right up to the claws, and a long tail ending in a dark tuft. Pelage varies from sandy brown to greyish. It differs from larger gerbils in its smaller size and furry feet.
Tracks and signs include leaping trackways, poorly defined because of the fur on the feet. It digs shallow burrows with several entrances that are sealed with sand during the day.
Arid scrub, desert and dry savannah on sandy soils, forming a scattered mosaic across southern Africa.
Seeds, supplemented with insects and the occasional green plant material.
Solitary or found in pairs, strictly nocturnal, sealing its burrow entrances during the day.
The species maintains a large and stable population across most of its range, with no evidence of widespread decline.
No widespread threats identified.
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