Reproduction and development of the Sudanese jerboa, Jaculus jaculus butleri (Rodentia, Dipodidae)

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Abstract
The courtship display and early development of the Sudanese jerboa, Jaculus jaculus butleri, is described. The young develop slowly except for the hindlimbs which reach 90% of adult length in 35 days; consequently the young can run as fast as adults as soon as they leave the nest. The bones of the posterior part of the skull are not ossified at birth, and development of the enlarged tympanic bullae occurs between the time of birth and emergence from the nest. The development of J. j. butleri is compared with that of J. orientalis and two other species of desert rodents.