Gundi pictures and facts

The North African gundi (Ctenodactylus gundi) can be found in deserts with rocks in Northern Algeria, Southeastern Morocco, Tunisia and Libya. These rodents can become 16 - 20 centimeters in head body length and have short legs, flat ears, big eyes, long whiskers and compact bodies.

Gundis live in colonies, with a size depending on the amount of food in the neighborhood. They live in shelters which regulates temperature, keeping them warm during cold nights and also can offer a cool retreat during the hot day. In the winter Gundis also pile on top of each other to stay warm. Gundis also have other ways to regulate their temperature which can be compared to the way lizards regulate their body heat. They sunbathe during the early morning, until the temperature reaches 20°C (68°F) and then begin to forage. After a quick bite, they flatten themselves against the rocks to help speed digestion and keeping them warm. When the temperature reaches 32°C (90°F) they hide in the shade of the rocks and stay there until the temperature drops in the afternoon.

They do not store foods and, due to the scarcity of food in the desert, they may forage up to 1 kilometer per morning... Their diet consists of stalks, leaves, flowers, and seeds, but they do not drink water. All the water they get comes from the plants they eat.