It lives in the dunes and sandy plains of arid south-western Africa, taking its name from its unusually bushy tail, which is far hairier than that of related gerbils. It digs shallow burrows in loose sand, sealed during the day to conserve moisture.
A small rodent with furred hind feet and a long, noticeably bushy tail, far hairier than that of other gerbils in the genus. Sandy-brown coat. It is distinguished from the Bushy-tailed Hairy-footed Gerbil by its much bushier tail.
Poorly defined track showing hopping marks. Digs shallow burrows in loose sand, sealed with sand during the day.
Dunes and sandy plains of arid scrub and desert, in Namibia and South Africa.
Seeds, supplemented with insects and occasional green plant material.
Solitary or in pairs, strictly nocturnal, sealing its burrow entrances during the day.
The Brush-tailed Hairy-footed Gerbil maintains a large, stable population across most of its range, although habitat loss is a recognised threat in certain areas.
Loss of dune and arid scrub habitat in parts of its range.
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