Chinese pygmy dormouse

Chinese Zwergbilch ( Typhlomys cinereus )

The Chinese Zwergbilch ( Typhlomys cinereus ) is a rodent of the family Stachelbilche ( Platacanthomyidae ). It is found in southeastern Asia and is today the only species of the genus Typhlomys, have been described in four extinct species.

Features

This rodent reaches a head-body length of 7 to 10 cm, a tail length of 9-14 cm and a weight of about 18 grams. Although the type is one of the Stachelbilchen, it has no spines in the fur and looks more like an ordinary house mouse. The short, dense coat is soft. The Chinese Zwergbilch is dark gray on the top and at the bottom a little lighter in color than the white front paws. At the tip of the tail occurs a hair tassel, which is often white. Near the root of the tail is sparsely hairy and partially covered with scales. Note the narrow hind legs and small eyes.

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area extends over the southeastern China and northern regions of Vietnam. Perhaps the species is found in the north of Laos. The Chinese Zwergbilch inhabited mountainous landscapes to 2,000 meters above sea level. Most of the forests of these regions are characterized by small trees and a dense understory of bamboo. Sometimes the Zwergbilch is found in different kind of woods.

Way of life

These rodents live in underground nests not, but as a matter of priority as Blindmulle. Otherwise, almost nothing is known about their behavior.

Status

The total stock decreases, which, however, did not constitute a serious hazard, and so the nature of the IUCN as not at risk ( least concern ) is listed. The population in northern Vietnam receives by some zoologists the status of a subspecies, Typhlomys cinereus chapensis. This is assessed in their existence as threatened with extinction.