Meet the long-eared jerboa – a tiny rodent with the largest ears in the world

When it comes to weird, yet extremely cute little creatures Mother Nature never cease to amaze! And this tiny fella is nothing short of adorable. Everyone meet the long-eared jerboa – a lovely mix of a mouse, a rabbit and a tiny kangaroo

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Маленькое чудо большой пустыни Гоби: длинноухий тушканчик! При общей длине тела до 9 сантиметров, уши этого уникального зверька достигают 6 сантиметров! В двух словах – самое длинноухое существо на Земле)) #wildlife #nature #animals #world #incredible #amazing #wonderful #beautiful #wildcat #ourplanetdaily #nikon #nikonrussia #follow #natgeowild #photooftheday #natgeoru #snowleopard #дикаяприрода #дикаяприродароссии #манул #дальневосточныйлеопард #амурскийтигр #рысь #сайгак #мархур #каракал

A post shared by VALERIY MALEEV (@valeriymaleev_photographer) on

Even at first sight, this adorable creature looks just like a cartoon character, the long-eared jerboa is as real as breathing. However, it is quite a rare sight thinking this little rodent was caught on camera for the first only a few years ago.

Native to Gobi Desert in thee northwestern China and southern Mongolia, this elusive creature has the biggest ears in the world, comparing to its size. They are almost 2/3 of its body length. It also has a very long tail, as much a twice of its tiny body.

Thanks to its long back legs, the long-eared jerboa can make pretty high jumps. Even weird, its body is perfectly designed to live in this though conditions as the Gobi Desert offers. While its large ears helps it to release heat, thanks to its long legs it can make high jumps in order to catch insects – its main food source. The long-eared jerboas are nocturnal creatures and during the day, they’re hiding under the sand in tunnels dug by theirselves.

The species was first caught on camera in 2007 during a a Zoological Society of London expedition. Recalling the moment, Dr. Jonathan Baillie, the lead scientist of the expedition said: “As I peered in the trap my eyes were met with one of the most unusual creatures I had ever seen. I could not believe that such a strange and delicate looking animal could be at home in such a harsh environment.”

(Credits Mongabay | Bored Panda)

Sharing is caring!