Myomyscus
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
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| Shortridge , 1942 |
Myomyscus ( Syn .: Myomys ) is a genus of rodents from the group of old world mice (Murinae). The genus includes four species.
These rodents reach a head body length of 8 to 12 centimeters, in addition there is a 8 to 15 centimeter long tail. Their weight is 20 to 45 grams. Their fur is colored yellow-gray to black-gray on the upper side, the underside is white or light gray. The head is pointed, the ears are large and rounded, and the tail is longer than the body.
The animals are common in Arabia as well as in eastern and southern Africa . Their habitat is rather dry savannahs and bushlands, and sometimes forests. They are nocturnal and mostly stay on the ground. Their diet is variable; both insects and green parts of plants can be on their menu.
According to the IUCN , none of the four species are endangered.
Systematics
The systematics of this genre is not undisputed. Wilson and Reeder (2005) list four types:
- Myomyscus angolensis lives in western Angola.
- Myomyscus brockmani is distributed from southern Sudan to Tanzania.
- Myomyscus verreauxii is endemic to southwestern South Africa.
- Myomyscus yemeni lives in southwestern Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Several other species that were previously included in this genus are now listed in Mastomys or Stenocephalemys . Since the type species of the genus Myomys was also assigned to another genus, a change in the genus name was necessary.
Within the old world mice, the genus is part of the Stenocephalemys group .
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. 3. Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .