546.

Neave’s Mouse

Mus neavei

French: Souris de Neave / German: Neave-Zwergmaus / Spanish: Raton de Neave

Taxonomy. Leggada neaver Thomas, 1910,

“Petauke, E. Loangwe District, N.E. Rhodesia [= Republic of Zimbabwe]. Alt 2400’ [= 762 m]).”

Based on cytochrome-b sequences and morphology (e.g. proodont incisors), considered by J. Bryja and colleagues in 2014 to be part of the sorella species group; distinguishable from M. sorella by its smaller size, smaller maxillary toothrow, and richer “bright tawny” coloration, as compared to dark gray. Monotypic.

Distribution. Based on molecular vouchers it occurs in E Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania; records from N Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and N South Africa lack genetic verification, but are included here.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 58-106 mm, tail 33-48 mm, ear 10-12 mm, hindfoot 12-14 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. Neave’s Mouse is a small to medium-sized rodent with short tail. Fur is ocherous-brown to rich tawny-brown above and pure white below. Tail is short (c.43% of head-body length). Ears are large and pale gray. Feet are white.

Habitat. No information.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. Neave’s Mice are nocturnal and terrestrial.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List.

Bibliography. Bryja, Mikula, Sumbera et al. (2014), Happold (2013a), Monadjem et al. (2015), Petter (1981).