Spoonbill
| Spoonbill | ||||||||||||
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Spoonbill, drawing by Joseph Smit |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Eliomys melanurus | ||||||||||||
| ( Wagner , 1839) |
The spoonbill ( Eliomys melanurus ), also known as the large-eared spoonbill , oriental or desert dormouse , is a rodent in the genus garden dormouse ( Eliomys ).
features
With a head-trunk length of 10 to 18 cm, a tail length of 9 to 14 cm and a weight of 45 to 120 g, the spoonbill is about the same size as the European garden dormouse ( Eliomys quercinus ). They are also very similar in color, with gray-brown fur on the back and a whitish underside. Dark areas around the eyes act like a mask. The bushy black tip of the tail is believed to confuse enemies.
distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the species extends in disjoint populations from northeastern Libya to the western Arabian Peninsula as well as to southern Turkey . The habitats vary from steppes and semi-deserts to rocky regions, a vegetation with some trees or bushes is necessary.
Way of life
Like the other garden dormouse, the spoonbill is mainly nocturnal. During the day he rests in a nest or in crevices in the rock. Often abandoned nests of other animals serve as the basis for their own nest building. Large groups of the spoonbill were observed several times in one place.
The species feeds more heavily on insects , small birds, and other rodents than other dormice. Nuts and fruits play only a minor role. In colder regions the spoonbill eats a layer of fat in autumn and hibernates .
The round brood nests made of leaves and grass are placed in the treetops about three meters above the ground and vigorously defended by the female. There is usually one litter per year. Two to eight young are born after 22 to 28 days of gestation . The young animals are weaned after four weeks. Spoonbills are around five years old.
Duration
The spoonbill is comparatively common and is therefore listed by the IUCN as “ Least Concern ” .
Web links
supporting documents
- Eliomys melanurus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2011. Posted by: Amori, G., Aulagnier, S., Hutterer, R., Krystufek, B., Yigit, N., Mitsain, G. & Muñoz, LJP, 2008 Retrieved August 30, 2011.
- Asian garden dormouse , ARKive.org, accessed August 30, 2011