Severtzov's birch mouse

Sicista severtzovi (also called " Severtzov birch mouse " ) is a little known species of birch mice to the gerbils ( Dipodidae ) are counted.

Exterior Features

This Birkenmausart heard with a head-body length of 5.4 to 7 cm and a tail length of 6.8 to 8.0 cm of the smaller species. The root of the fur is gray-brown. The Dorsallinie is black, yellowish towards the sides and pulling down between neck and tail. Be easily distinguished by isolated occurrences with other species of birch mouse and distinct darker color over the steppe birch mouse ( Sicista subtilis).

Dissemination

The habitat of Severtzov birch mouse form scree steppe, fallow land, pasture land and partly cultivated land in Ukraine and southern Russia. From the type of fund this type Ognev reported as first described in 1935 from the Kamennaya in Voronezh region (Ukraine). Several subspecies have been defined but have been unable to keep up due to chromosomal polymorphisms.

Behavior

The Severtzov birch mouse is nocturnal and lives on the ground. During the day, it keeps presumably in a building. When this kind of hibernation holds, is largely unknown, but it was spotted in April-May for the first time. The litters occur from June to July, are being born between three and four cubs.

Food

Severtzov birch mice eat grass seeds, berries and fruit, but insects and larvae.