African welted grass mice

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African welted grass mice
African welted grass mouse

African welted grass mouse

Systematics
Superfamily : Mice-like (Muroidea)
Family : Long-tailed mice (Muridae)
Subfamily : Old World Mice (Murinae)
Tribe : Arvicanthini
Arvicanthis group
Genre : African welted grass mice
Scientific name
Rhabdomys
Thomas , 1916

The African welted grass mice ( Rhabdomys ) are a species of rodent from the subfamily of the old world mice (Murinae) widespread in southern Africa .

shape

The diurnal African welted grass mice can be easily distinguished from other mouse species by the 4 longitudinal stripes on their backs. Their color varies from gray-white to dark brown, with the belly area being dirty-white to a light gray-brown. The back of the ears are red-brown to yellow-brown. The adult animals reach a length (including tail) of 20 centimeters.

distribution and habitat

The African welted grass mice can be found in a wide variety of habitats, provided that there is only grass. The distribution area essentially covers southern Africa and parts of East Africa. Nature reserves where animals are found include Bontebok, Pilanesberg, Etosha, Giant's Castle, Mountain Zebra, Addo Elephant, Willem Pretorius, Cape of Good Hope, Karoo, Namib-Naukluft.

Systematics

In the past, all animals were grouped into one species, Rhabdomys pumilio . Due to differences in the number of chromosomes , the tooth formula and behavior, two types are distinguished today. Rhabdomys pumilio is more social and inhabits more arid areas; Rhabdomys dilectus , on the other hand, lives solitary and occurs more in humid areas.

swell

  • Chris Stuart, Tilde Stuart: Southern, Central and East African Mammals. A photographic guide. 2nd Edition. Struik Publishers, Cape town 2001, ISBN 1-86872-621-5 .
  • Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. 2 volumes. 3. Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .

Web links

Commons : Rhabdomys  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files