Cairo spiny mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cairo Spiny Mouse |
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A. cahirinus
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| Acomys cahirinus (É. Geoffrey, 1803)
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Acomys chudeaui |
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The Cairo spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) is a special kind of mouse. It gets its name from the stiff, pointed hairs on its back, which feel a bit like spines! These small rodents live in different parts of the world. You can find them in Africa, the Middle East, and even some areas of Europe.
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About the Cairo Spiny Mouse
The Cairo spiny mouse is a fascinating creature. It is known for its unique spiny fur. This mouse is quite small, usually growing to about 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long. That's about the length of a typical pencil! It weighs up to 0.1 kilograms (0.22 lb), which is roughly the same as a small apple.
Where it Lives
These mice are very adaptable. They can live in many different environments. Their homes include rocky deserts, dry grasslands, and even human buildings. They are often found in places like Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. They prefer warm, dry climates.
What it Eats
The Cairo spiny mouse is an omnivore. This means it eats both plants and animals. Its diet mainly includes seeds and fruits. But it also enjoys eating small invertebrate animals. These can be insects like beetles or spiders. They are always looking for food to help them survive.
Its Life and Habits
Cairo spiny mice are active animals. They can run quite fast for their size. They can reach speeds of up to 10 kilometres per hour (6.2 mph). This helps them escape from predators. They usually live for about four years. Female spiny mice have a gestation period of about 38 days. This is the time from when they get pregnant until their babies are born. After this, they give birth to a litter of young mice.
Images for kids
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Captive specimens at Birmingham Nature Centre
See also
In Spanish: Ratón espinoso egipcio para niños
