African long-eared mouse

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
African long-eared mouse
Systematics
Subordination : Mouse relatives (Myomorpha)
Superfamily : Mice-like (Muroidea)
Family : Nesomyidae
Subfamily : Tree mice (Dendromurinae)
Genre : Malacothrix
Type : African long-eared mouse
Scientific name of the  genus
Malacothrix
Wagner , 1843
Scientific name of the  species
Malacothrix typica
( Smith , 1834)

The African long-eared mouse ( Malacothrix typica ) is a rodent from the tree mouse subfamily . It occurs in southern Africa and is the only species in the genus Malacothrix .

features

This rodent has a typical mouse shape. It reaches a head-torso length of 65 to 95 mm and a tail length of 28 to 42 mm. The weight varies between 7 and 20 g. It is named after the striking 14 to 21 mm long ears. The fur on the top is gray to reddish brown in color. More or less pronounced black hair tips are visible as dark spots or stripes. On the underside, the fur is light gray to white. The African long-eared mouse has four fingers or toes on its hands and feet. The feet are bare on the top and covered with hair on the soles.

Distribution and habitat

The African long-eared mouse occurs from southern Angola via Namibia and Botswana to South Africa . It lives in savannas , semi-deserts and bushes.

Way of life

Although the species is one of the tree mice, it mainly lives on the ground. She digs tunnels with a chamber at the end that is up to 120 cm deep. The chamber is padded with grass and bird feathers. African long-eared mice are nocturnal and move up to 4 km away from their burrow in search of food. They mainly eat green parts of plants and seeds.

Reproduction usually takes place between August and March, with several litters per year. Outside of this time, males and females live alone. Females are usually 22 to 26 days pregnant and 2 to 7 young are born per litter. These are initially naked and blind and weigh about 1.1 g. They are suckled for about a month and reach sexual maturity after an average of 51 days. The first litter takes place 50 to 70 days later.

status

The species is rarely sighted. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is assuming a stable population and lists the African long-eared mouse as not endangered ( Least Concern ).

literature

Web links