Single striped mouse

Introduction: The single-striped mouse (Lemniscomys rosalia) lives in grasslands or a low, bushy-type vegetation. The generic name is taken from the Greek lemniscos meaning a band or ribbon and mys, meaning mouse. It is related to the (four) striped mouse. A shy and nervous creature, it will often play dead when handled.

Distribution: Northern Namibia including Etosha National Park.

Diet: Grass and seeds.

Colouring: A pale-buff or reddish-orange coarse body fur, with a single brown dorsal strip. The throat, belly and chin are rusty-white.

Breeding: From 5-7 pups are born in a grass nest lined with finely, shredded grass.

Size: Total body length 137mm.

Weight: Up to 80g.