Mongolian gerbil Mongolian gerbil Meriones unguiculatus, the Mongolian gerbil or Mongolian jird, is a small rodent belonging to the subfamily Gerbillinae. It is the most widely known species of the gerbil subfamily, and is the most commonly kept as a small house pet or experimental animal. Under those conditions, it is known as the domesticated gerbil. Like the Syrian or golden hamster, it was first brought to the United States in 1954 by Dr. Victor Schwentker for use in scientific research. Forty-four pairs were caught in Mongolia and brought to England. They were described as having "squirrel colors... with long furry tails."
Philippines at the 2006 Asian Games Philippines at the 2006 Asian Games The Philippines participated in the 2006 Asian Games held in Doha, Qatar; for the 15th straight time in the same number of stagings of the Games. The country did not participate in Men's and Women's Basketball for the first time due to the continuing suspension by International Basketball Federation ("Fédération Internationale de Basketball" or FIBA). The country was represented by 233 athletes participating in 31 sports, including boxing, cue sports, and taekwondo which brought the most medals to the country. The 2005 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) gold medallists and Southeast Asian powerhouse competed