An endangered Mongolian rodent described as "the Mickey Mouse of the desert" has been thrust into the spotlight in a bid to ensure its survival.The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) today released the first known footage of the long-ear jerboa, which looks like a mouse-sized kangaroo with enormous ears. The little jumping rodent was filmed hopping about in its natural habitat in the Gobi desert by the scientists.
The jerboa, found in the deserts of Mongolia and China, is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by disturbance of its habitat - with the domestic cat emerging as a newly-introduced predator into the rodent's range.
The long-eared jerboa (Euchoreutes naso) is a jumping rodent whose legs are specially adapted for jumping like a kangaroo and is easily recognised by ears which are about a third bigger than its head.
It is a primarily nocturnal insect-eating animal which spends its daylight hours in underground tunnels.
Video: YouTube
Source: Men
Tags: Rodent | Jerboa | Mickey Mouse | kangaroo | Mouse | Endangered
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