Crete Spiny Mouse

Crete Spiny Mouse
Conservation status
Data Deficient (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Rodentia
Family:	Muridae
Genus:	Acomys
Species:	A. minous
Binomial name
Acomys minous (Bate, 1906)

The Crete spiny mouse (Acomys minous) is a threatened species of mouse endemic to Crete. It is characterized by the coarse, stiff hairs on its back and tail and a notably grayer coloration and more pointed face than other species of spiny mice. Its fur color varies from yellow to red, gray or brown on its face and back, with white fur on its underside. It is a nocturnal forager, feeding mainly on grass blades and seeds, and builds only a very rudimentary nest.

The gestation is between 5 and 6 weeks, which is unusually long for a mouse. At birth, other females clean and assist the mother. The young are well developed with open eyes when they are born.

See also

• Endangered species
• Spiny mouse

References

• Burnie, David, ed. (2001), "Crete spiny mouse", Animal, Dorling Kindersly, pp. 155 

1. ^ Amori, G., Hutterer, R., Kryštufek, B., Yigit, N., Mitsain, G. & Muñoz, L.J.P. (2008). Acomys minous. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 4 February 2009.