The Long-eared Jerboa, Euchoreutes naso, is a nocturnal mouse-like rodent with a long tail, long hind legs for jumping, and exceptionally large ears. It is distinct enough that authorities consider it to be the only member of both its genus, Euchoreutes, and subfamily, Euchoreutinae.
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| Long-eared Jerboa -at the scenic spot of the Mountain of Flames (Huoyanshan) in Turpan City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.Xinhua photo |
A large part of the species is believed to occur in Mongolia within protected areas.
Very little is known about the species.
Globally, it is listed by IUCN as Endangered and within Mongolia it is listed as Vulnerable.
The cause of their threatened status is not well understood, but it has been suggested that it is due to habitat disturbance from mining activities, overgrazing and agriculture as well as possibly climate change.
The Long-eared Jerboa's head and body length measures 70 mm (2.8 in) to 90 mm (3.5 in) while its tail is double this size, between 150 mm (5.9 in) and 163 mm (6.4 in). Like its disproportionately long tail, its hind feet are also large, helping it to jump high, measuring between 40 mm (1.6 in) and 46 mm (1.8 in).It weighs 23.7 g (0.84 oz) to 37.8 g (1.33 oz).
Conservation
The Long-eared jerboa was identified as one of the top-10 "focal species" in 2007 by the Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) project.
In 2007 Zoological Society of London EDGE of Existence Programme sent a researcher to study human impact on its environment.
The study returned with video footage that been noted as the "first time" the creature has been "recorded on camera". (See 1st video in playlist). This has helped to start a campaign to protect them.
Videos
Other website about the Long-eared Jerboa : BBC
Source(s): Wikipedia | edgeofexistence
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