Lemniscomys rosalia
A commonly encountered rodent thanks to its diurnal nature, the Single-striped Grass Mouse is found in a wide range of habitats, from dry scrub to savanna and even the edge of cultivated farmlands wherever good grass cover is available. Grass and seeds make up the bulk of its diet, with other green plant material and a wide range of invertebrates making up the remainder.
Single-striped Grass Mice dig their own burrows at the base of grass tussocks or bushes, from which a network of paths radiate under dense vegetation leading to their favourite foraging grounds. Home burrows may be inhabited by solitary individuals, pairs or family groups. Females give birth to litters of 2-11 babies (usually 4 or 5) during spring and summer after a 4 week gestation. The young are weaned within 3 weeks of birth. In the wild they seldom live longer than a year. Adults grow to a total length of up to 30cm, of which the tail makes up roughly half, and weigh around 60g.
The Single-striped Grass Mouse is considered of least concern and has two centres of distribution: a north-eastern in Kenya and Tanzania, and a southern from Zambia and Malawi to South Africa’s northern provinces (Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Kwazulu-Natal).
Lovely little creatures. I will be more observant of the number of stripes from now on, on the rare occasions I spot these little guys.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re always excited (in a positive way) when we get to see one of our indigenous rodents; they so seldomly show themselves despite probably being quite numerous in our wild places.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I also love to see them on the rare occasions that I do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are so cute! We have mouse called the grasshopper mouse. It’s carnivorous and howls at the moon (!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your grasshopper mouse sounds like a very interesting animal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many different types of mouses!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed Robert – the rodents and bats are probably the two most diverse mammal families
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super cute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That they are. Welcome here!
LikeLike
It’s funny how we adore the big cats and elephants and the like but lose sight of the importance of creatures like this one. He is kind of cute but I’d still prefer that he stay outdoors Dries!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so true, Tina, and I don’t think we know nearly enough about just how important the smaller creatures are to keeping the whole system in balance. I also agree that I wouldn’t want to share my home with a family of them, cute as they may be; but I’d gladly share the garden!
LikeLike
What a cute little fellow! I love that unique long stripe down his back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We agree that they’re really endearing little critters!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mostly see the three-striped variety – must look out for this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do look very similar and can easily be confused for one another if you don’t get more than a quick glance!
LikeLiked by 1 person
sooo cute
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely Gavin, and so energetic too!
LikeLike
Adorable, Dries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many people shudder at the thought of rodents, Tracy – I am glad you didn’t!
LikeLiked by 1 person
But not all rodents are created equally, Dries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s very true – I adore our indigenous rodents but detest those exotic invading house mice and house rats!
LikeLike
Well, isn’t he just the cutest little thing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh absolutely, Lois!
LikeLike