Thin Sand Rat
Psammomys vexillaris
Conservation Status
Data DeficientMammalia · Rodentia · Muridae
About
The thin sand rat or lesser sand rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It has also been previously named the pale sand rat based on work published by Oldfield Thomas in 1925. It is found in Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia, and its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and intermittent salt lakes. The thin sand rat was previously classified as a subspecies of the fat sand rat. However, morphological differences in size and coat color between the two animals, along with recent molecular evidence suggest that they are different species. The thin sand rat may be a natural reservoir for the disease leishmaniasis.
Fun Fact
It has also been previously named the pale sand rat based on work published by Oldfield Thomas in 1925.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia, and its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and intermittent salt lakes.
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance