Rhabdomys

African grass mouse welts in the West Coast National Park, South Africa

The African welts grass mice ( Rhabdomys ) are a common in southern Africa rodent genus of the subfamily Altweltmäuse ( Murinae ).

Shape

The diurnal African welts grass mice are easily distinguished by the four longitudinal stripes on the backs of other mouse types. Their color varies from gray - white to dark brown, with the tummy dirty - white to pale gray - brown in color. The back of the ears are red - brown to yellow- brown pronounced. But the adults reach a length (including the tail) of 20 centimeters.

Distribution and habitat

The African welts grass mice are to be found in a variety of habitats, condition is solely the presence of grass. The circulation area covers substantially southern Africa and parts of East Africa. Conservation areas, occur in animals, include Bontebok, Pilanesberg, Etosha, Giant's Castle, Mountain Zebra, Addo Elephant, Willem Pretorius, Cape of Good Hope, The Karoo, Namib -Naukluft.

System

Previously, all animals were combined together to form, Rhabdomys pumilio. Due to differences in chromosome number, the dental formula and behavior today two types can be distinguished. Rhabdomys pumilio is social and lives in rather dry areas; Rhabdomys Dilectus other hand, lives a loner and is more likely in humid areas.

Swell

• Chris Stuart, Tilde Stuart: Southern, Central and East African Mammals. A photographic guide. 2nd edition. Struik Publishers, Cape town, 2001, ISBN 1-86872-621-5.
• Don E. Wilson, DeeAnn M. Reeder (eds): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic reference. 2 vols. 3rd edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4.