Lesser mole rat

West Blind Mouse ( Nannospalax leucodon )

The Western Blind Mouse ( Nannospalax leucodon, also known as Spalax leucodon ) is a species of the subfamily of blind mice who in 1840 described by Nordmann first time.

With a head-body length of 15-24 centimeters, the West blind mouse is slightly smaller than the very similar Ostblindmaus. West Blind Mice, rats are large and have the typical blind mice cylindrical body. The soft fur is gray brown on the top, colored dark gray on the ventral side. The animal has not concealed neither ears nor a tail, eyes are visible under a layer of skin. From the nose to the point where you expect the eyes, a bright strip of bristles extends. The skull is on the right and left of the occipital hole formed only very indistinct in animals of the Peloponnese each a small opening.

The Western Blind Mouse is located in South-Eastern Europe, Asia Minor and Libya. Originally it was a steppe dwellers, synanthropic but now lives on fields, meadows and pastures. In the mountains, it has not been proven in 2400 meters altitude.

The diurnal and nocturnal animals dig up to 100 meters of corridors in up to four meters deep. They have special pantries, nest chambers and even special places to perform to the call of nature. West Blind Mice feed on roots, tubers and crops that take them into their courses. They are usually loners, do not hibernate and are only very rarely and then. During the night to the surface

Similar Species:

• Bukowinische Blind Mouse ( Spalax graecus )
• Ostblindmaus ( Spalax microphthalmus )