Five-toed pygmy jerboa

Five toe dwarf jerboa ( Cardiocranius paradoxus )

The five -toed dwarf jerboa ( Cardiocranius paradoxus ) is a little-known rodent that lives in parts of Kazakhstan, Tuva, Mongolia and Xinjiang.

This jumping mouse has a body length 5-7 cm, the tail is slightly longer than the body. The coat color is gray on the upper side and lower side white. The tail is very thin at the base, then thickens but suddenly, as if he were constricted. In addition to this unusual tail this jumping mouse has a number of other features which clearly distinguish them from other species of the family: the bones of the hind feet; the number of five toes, of which the innermost is greatly reduced; the extremely small ears; the heart-shaped skull (hence the scientific name Cardiocranius ).

The habitat of the five -toed dwarf jerboa are rocky deserts. Here they go out at night in search of their plant food, especially seeds.