Shaw's jird is able to survive long periods of dehydration in semi-desert regions where it lives, in part because of its well developed kidneys.[1] Shaw's jird can mate 224 times in two hours.[2] During the rainy season, Shaw's jirds breed more compared to summer when there is less rain.[3] They typically live 1โ2 years.[4] In the Algerian highlands, they are a main prey source for Barn owls.[5]
^Elgot, Abdeljalil; El hiba, Omar; Gamrani, Halima (2012-10-01). "The anxiogenic-like effects of dehydration in a semi-desert rodent Meriones shawi indicating the possible involvement of the serotoninergic system". Acta Histochemica. 114 (6): 603โ607. doi:10.1016/j.acthis.2011.11.005. ISSN0065-1281. PMID22172710.