Leggadina
| Leggadina | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Leggadina | ||||||||||||
| Thomas , 1910 |
Leggadina is a genus of rodents from the group of old world mice (Murinae). The genus includes two types.
They are very small old world mice. They reach a head body length of 6 to 10 centimeters, the tail is remarkably short with 4 to 7 centimeters. The weight of the animals is 15 to 25 grams. The fur is rough, it is yellow-brown to brown on the back and white on the belly. The head is broad, the muzzle blunt, the ears short and wide.
They inhabit arid areas such as savannahs and scrublands in northern and central Australia . They are nocturnal and sleep in earthen burrows during the day, in which they build grass nests. Their diet consists of seeds and green parts of plants.
A distinction is made between the following types:
- Leggadina forresti lives in large parts of central Australia.
- Leggadina lakedownensis is common in northern Australia.
According to the IUCN, both species are “not endangered” ( least concern ).
They are systematically part of the Pseudomys group , a predominantly Australian radiation of old world mice.
literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes, 6th edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
- Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. 2 volumes, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .