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BARBARY STRIPED GRASS MOUSE Lemniscomys barbarus
Identification This and other members of the Lemniscomys genus
are sometimes called zebra mice. Their upperparts are brown to
dark brown, and have numerous pale stripes that extend from the
shoulders to the rump on either side of a dark stripe running down the
centre of the back. They should not be mistaken for any other species
in the region.
Size Total length 19–24 cm.
Habitat and Behaviour This species constructs small, round nests of
grass and leaves near the ground, with well-defined paths radiating
from them. A range of seeds, green plant material and sometimes
insects is eaten. Breeding seems to be tied to seasonal rains, and
litters usually have 4–5 pups, each weighing about 3 g.
Distribution and Status This mouse occurs in the dry savannah and
plains that circle the Sahara, from Morocco to Tunisia and the Sahel
to the south.
NILE OR KUSU RAT Arvicanthis niloticus
Identification This is a stocky rat with a tail that is shorter than the
head and body length, smallish rounded ears and short hairs almost
covering the tail skin. The ears are small and rounded, and the hair on
the back is reddish-brown. The coat is rough and varies in colour from
buffy-grey with a brownish tinge to a richer brown. The underparts are
paler and usually greyish-white, with the upper foot surfaces reddish-
brown, like the snout.
Size Total length 25–30 cm.
Habitat and Behaviour The Nile Rat occupies a range of habitats,
including dry rocky hillsides with vegetation tangles and grass. It digs
long burrows. Observations in Dhofar show that it also lives among
boulders. It is both day and night active, and in some areas is easy to
observe. Nile Rats are mixed plant feeders that take a range of seeds
and succulents.
Distribution and Status This species is quite widespread in eastern
Egypt and the vicinity of the Nile and its delta. In Arabia it was until
recently only known from south-western Yemen, but it also occurs
in the Dhofar of southern Oman. It is colonial and may reach high
densities, which can be in pest proportions when populations increase.