Jerboa , common name for certain jumping rodents found primarily in the arid regions of Africa and Central Asia. Jerboas have short front legs and are about 4 to 26 cm (about 1.6 to 10 in) long from head to rump. With their long hind limbs-about 2 to 10 cm (about 0.8 to 4 in) in length-they can cover up to 3 m (up to 10 ft) in a single leap. They use their long, sometimes tufted tails for balance when jumping or as a prop when sitting. They are sandy above and white below, often with the tip of the tail black; some species have large, broad ears. Jerboas burrow in soil or sand and feed on plants, seeds, and insects. They do not require free water, obtaining sufficient amounts in their food. Some species breed more than twice in one year; the average litter is three .