jerboa

Any of a group of small nocturnal rodents with long and powerful hind legs developed for leaping. There are about 25 species of jerboa, native to desert areas of North Africa and Southwest Asia. (Family Dipodidae.)

The common North African jerboa (Jaculus orientalis) is a typical species. Its body is about 15 cm/6 in long and the tail is 25 cm/10 in long with a tuft at the tip. At speed it moves in a series of long jumps with its forefeet held close to its body.