Comb-toed jerboa

The comb -toed jerboa ( Paradipus Ctenodactylus ) is a mammal in the family gerbils and the only species of the genus Paradipus.

Features

This jumping mouse reaches a head-body length of 11-15 cm and a tail length of 20 to 22 cm. The weight is 70 to 80 g The coat color on the back varies between hazel and cinnamon brown with pink shades. The belly is white in color. Are striking white rings around the eyes and the white tassel at the tail end. Characteristic features on the head are yellow spots on the cheeks and the 4 cm length rather large ears. The comb -toed jerboa has no grooves on the upper incisors and premolar teeth are missing.

The name derives from the rigid comb-like hair on the sides allow the three toes on the hind feet the better locomotion on the sandy bottom. With the help of these hairs, the animals can jump 3 m wide and 1.5 m high. Are striking vertical jumps from the state for guidance. From the toes of the hind feet is the average much larger. The front paws are on the other hand with grave claws.

Distribution and habitat

The range of the species extends from the south-western Kazakhstan on Central Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan. An isolated population there is in northeast Iran. The comb -toed jerboa stays in sandy deserts, which have few scattered bushes.

Lifestyle and status

In summer the specimens excavated from 1.5 to 2.5 m long, simple tunnels which are a maximum of one months used as construction. During winter construction, the transitions reach 5 m length and 3 m depth and at the end there is a chamber that is lined with plant parts. Early winter, the comb -toed jerboa -20 ° C can endure, but if the temperatures are permanently at -15 ° C, it begins to hibernate. This lasts usually from December to February.

From spring to autumn, the species is nocturnal. She considers herself mostly on the ground and occasionally climbs in plants. As a dietary used various plant parts such as seeds, grass, flowers, fruits and green shoots. The areas of the individual animals have a radius of 2 km around the building, but they often overlap.

Females usually have two litters per year, one in spring and one in summer. Up to six young are born per litter, usually three or four. Young animals do not mate before the first winter.

The comb -toed jerboa is a fairly common and is listed by the IUCN as endangered not (Least Concern ).

Reference literature

• Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 vols. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD, inter alia, 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9.