Water/electrolyte conserving characteristics

Gerbils are native to desertic areas of the Middle East and India, and so are adapted to conserve water to a greater degree than are other rodents. On average, gerbils consume 4-7 ml water and produce 3-4 ml urine per per day. In comparison, hamsters consume 7-10 ml water and produce 6 ml urine per per day. Gerbil urine is normally highly concentrated. Gerbils also have large adrenal glands compared to other rodents, which may be involved in the high conservation of body water.