noun
- Plural of jird; small rodents of the genus Meriones, native to Africa and Asia, resembling gerbils with long tails and hind legs adapted for jumping.
Usage: zoology; plural form
Examples
- Jirds are commonly found in desert and semi-arid regions across North Africa and the Middle East.
- The researcher studied the burrowing behavior of jirds in their natural habitat.
- Unlike mice, jirds have powerful hind legs that allow them to jump considerable distances.
- Several species of jirds are kept as pets by exotic animal enthusiasts.
- Jirds are nocturnal creatures that spend much of the day in underground burrows.