Zelotomys

The Breitkopf mice ( Zelotomys ) are a rodent species from the group of Altweltmäuse ( Murinae ). The genus includes two species.

Breitkopf mice reach a body length from 10 to 14 centimeters, a tail length of 8 to 12 centimeters and a weight of 40 to 85 grams. Their fur is at the top of reddish brown to dark gray, the flanks are slightly lighter, the underside is whitish to light gray. The hands and feet are whitish - gray, short, bristle-like hairs on the tail also have this coloration. Named giving feature is the slightly broadened skull.

These rodents are located in central and southern Africa, their range extends from the Central African Republic and Kenya to South Africa. Their habitat is moist, grass -lined areas. They are nocturnal and live on the ground, their food should consist of seeds and insects.

The two types are:

• Zelotomys hildegardeae that is spread from central Africa to Zambia, and
• Zelotomys woosnami that occurs from Angola to South Africa.

Neither of the two species is endangered according to IUCN.

Systematically, they are part of Colomys - generic group.