A small rodent, it is sometimes likened to a tiny kangaroo due to its incredibly large hind legs, and hopping form of locomotion.

The lesser Egyptian jerboa has three toes on each of its hind feet and a very long tail, used for balance when jumping.

It has large eyes and ears and a rather stubby snout, and its coat is a pale or dark sandy colour with a paler underside.

Amazingly, it does not need to drink in order to survive the arid desert conditions, relying on its food to provide it with all its water needs.

The lesser Egyptian jerboa lives in burrows, dug in counter clockwise spirals with its forelimbs and teeth, which it uses for a variety of functions.

During particularly hot or dry spells the jerboa will aestivate in the burrow and in winter it is thought to hibernate, but this has only been reported in a few individuals.

A successful mating usually produces a litter of four to five young that become independent at around eight to ten weeks, and sexually mature at eight to twelve months.

On the whole, the lesser Egyptian jerboa is silent but when disturbed or handled it can emit grunting noises or shrill shrieks.