The well known pet, the Gerbil, was previously known as the Egyptian Jerboa. In keeping with other articles in this series, here follows a 17th century naturalists description of the Gerbil, for those interested in some historical background...
Egyptian Jerboa or Mus Jaculus.
Inhabits Egypt, Barbary, Palestine and deserts between Balsora and Aleppo.
As singular in its motions as in its form: always stands on its hind feet; the fore feet performing the officce of hands: runs fast and when pursued, jumps five or six feet off the ground: burrows like a rabbit: sleeps rolled up: lively during night: when taken emits a plaintive feeble note: feeds on vegetables: has great strength in its fore feet. Two Jerboa, which Pennant saw living in London, burrowed almost through the brick wall of the room they were in; came out of their hole at night for food, and when caught were much fatter and sleeker than when confined to their box.
The Jerboa is the Damon Israel, or the Lamb of the Israelites of the Arabs: and has been supposed to be the Saphan, or little animal mentioned in psalm 104, as an inhabitant of the stony rock. Our rabbit being unknown in the Holy Land.