Facts
- Known from western Xinjiang (northwest China) and extreme southern Mongolia.
- Jerboas are small jumping rodents that resemble mice with long tufted tails and very long hindlegs.
- The long-eared jerboa can be distinguished from other jerboas by its enormous ears, which are about a third larger than the head.
- The long-eared jerboa is thought to have one of the largest ear to body ratios of any mammal.
Threats
- The species is thought to be at risk from human disturbance of its habitat.
- Increasing numbers of grazing livestock may be a threat in some areas.
- Predation by feral cats has recently been identified as a potential threat to some Mongolian populations.
- Drying of water sources and drought, possibly due to a combination of human activities and climate change.
Conservation Required
- Further ecological research to determine behaviour, ecology and the impact of threats.
- Habitat surveys.
- Community surveys to determine which activities might potentially be impacting upon jerboa populations.
- Development of comprehensive Conservation Action Plan detailing the actions needed to save the species.
- Habitat protection and management within existing protected areas.
EDGE aims to determine the status of the long-eared jerboa in Mongolia and produce recommendations to inform future management of the species.
The long-eared jerboa is a nocturnal mouse-like rodent with a long tail, long hind legs for jumping, and exceptionally large ears. It has been reported from China and ten localities in desert habitats of Trans Altai Govi Desert and Alashan' Govi Desert in Mongolia. Less than half of the species' range in Mongolia occurs within protected areas. Very little is known about the species' ecology or the dominant threats to its survival. No conservation measures specifically aimed at this species have been established to date.
EDGE is supporting a Mongolian Fellow to carry out vital ecological research to determine the range, population trends, and the impact of threats on this poorly known species, in order to produce a management plan outlining the steps required to ensure long-term viability of the species.Take Action
Could equip a local school teacher with a conservation educational package on EDGE species.
Could buy camera traps and other essential equipment to survey poorly known EDGE species.
Could cover in-country training and field costs for a local student to research and help conserve an EDGE species.