mearnsii

Mearnsii, also known as the Mearns' rock rat, is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is native to the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea, where it inhabits rocky areas and cliffs. The species was first described by British zoologist Oldfield Thomas in 1903, and it is named in honor of Scottish naturalist Robert Mearns.

Mearnsii is a small rodent, with a body length of about 10-12 centimeters and a tail length of 10-12 centimeters. It has a robust build, with short legs and a long, bushy tail. The fur is typically grayish-brown on the back and lighter on the underside, with a distinctive white patch on the throat. The species is primarily nocturnal and spends most of its time foraging for seeds, fruits, and insects in the rocky terrain.

Mearnsii is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, as it has a relatively large range and is not currently facing any significant threats. However, habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as agriculture and urbanization may pose a potential threat to the species in the future. Conservation efforts are not currently underway for Mearnsii, but continued monitoring of its population and habitat is recommended to ensure its long-term survival.