Long-eared jerboa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Long-eared jerboaTemporal range: Recent
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| Genus: |
Euchoreutes
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| Species: |
naso
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The long-eared jerboa (Euchoreutes naso) is a small, mouse-like animal. It is a rodent with a very long tail and large hind legs. These legs help it jump high and far. It also has super big ears!
This animal is special because it is the only one of its kind. Scientists put it in its own group, called Euchoreutes.
Long-eared jerboas live in dry, sandy areas of Asia. You can find them in places like southern Mongolia and parts of northwestern China. They are mostly active at night, which means they are nocturnal. Their fur is usually a reddish-yellow color with a white belly.
What Does a Long-Eared Jerboa Look Like?
These jerboas are quite small. Their head and body are about 7 to 9 centimeters (2.7 to 3.5 inches) long. Their tail is much longer, almost double their body size! It can be 15 to 16.2 centimeters (5.9 to 6.3 inches) long.
Their hind feet are also big, measuring 4 to 4.6 centimeters (1.5 to 1.8 inches). These large feet help them jump. A long-eared jerboa weighs about 24 to 38 grams (0.8 to 1.3 ounces).
Their fur is light reddish-brown on top and white underneath. Their tails have fine hairs and a black and white tuft at the end.
What Do They Eat?
Long-eared jerboas usually eat insects. They are good at finding their food in the dark. They use sound to find insects and then jump quickly to catch them.
Why Are They Important?
The long-eared jerboa is a special animal that needs our help. In 2007, it was named one of the top-10 "focal species" by a group called Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE). This means it is very unique and also in danger.
In 2007, the Zoological Society of London sent a researcher to study these animals. They wanted to see how humans were affecting their homes. This study captured the first-ever video of the long-eared jerboa! This video helped start a campaign to protect them.
