Cypriot mouse

The Cyprus - mouse (Mus cypriacus ) is an in 2004, discovered by the French zoologist Thomas Cucchi kind of rodents ( Rodentia ), who lives endemic to Cyprus.

The exclusive features in comparison with other types of mice are the larger skull with larger ears, teeth and eyes. The coat is gray. The DNA of the Cyprus mouse also differs from the DNA of the other mice.

By bone comparisons Cucchi able to demonstrate that the mouse, lives in Cyprus since 9000 years, and so a few thousand years before human settlement in the Neolithic (New Stone Age ). As the only endemic rodent of the Mediterranean islands, it has survived the arrival of humans and brought with him non-local animals.

Preferred habitat of the Cyprus mouse is the Troodos Mountains located in the west of the island, especially in the vineyards.

The recent discovery of a mammal in a force as well researched area was a surprise for research. As far last mammal in Europe in 2001, a bat species in Greece and Hungary had been found.

Cucchi reported in September 2006 in the journal Zootaxa of his discovery.