Vandeleuria

Vandeleuria oleracea

The Long-tailed Climbing Mouse ( Vandeleuria ) are a rodent species from the group of Altweltmäuse ( Murinae ). The genus includes three species.

General

There are very small, mouse -like rodents. They reach a body length 6-9 cm, a tail length of 9-13 cm and a weight of around 10 grams. Their fur color varies at the top of light brown to reddish brown, the underside is white or beige. The very long tail is hairy, but, in contrast to related genera no bushy top. The limbs are adapted to the tree of life, the first toe of the front and rear legs can be opposed.

Long-tailed climbing mice are native to southern Asia, their range extends from India and Sri Lanka to southern China and Thailand. They are nocturnal and arboreal, and can climb excellent. The tail is used mainly for balance, but can also be used as a prehensile organ. During the day the animals sleep in a nest, which they build in the branches or in tree hollows. Their diet consists of fruits, buds and shoots.

System

According to Wilson & Reeder ( 2005), the Long-tailed climbing mice are part of the Micromys group within the Altweltmäuse.

There are three types:

• Vandeleuria nilagirica lives only in the Nilgiri region in southwestern India.
• Vandeleuria nolthenii is endemic in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
• Vandeleuria oleracea comes from western India until in southern China and Thailand.

Because of their small distribution area and the dangers of the destruction of their habitat as nilagirica and V. nolthenii " critically endangered " by the IUCN ( endangered ) listed. V. oleracea is not compromised.