Where do spiny mice live? - briefly
Spiny mice inhabit arid and semi‑arid zones of Africa and the Middle East, favoring rocky outcrops, savannas and desert scrub. Their range extends from Morocco across the Sahara to Israel, Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula.
Where do spiny mice live? - in detail
Spiny mice are native to the eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and parts of northeastern Africa. Their range extends from southern Turkey and the Levant through Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq to Iran and Afghanistan. In Africa, they occur in Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Ethiopia, often close to the Nile Valley and adjacent arid zones.
The animals favor dry, rocky environments where they can find crevices for shelter. Typical habitats include:
- Semi‑desert plains with scattered stone outcrops
- Shrub‑dominated steppe and savanna margins
- Montane regions up to 2,500 m where limestone cliffs provide refuge
- Agricultural fields adjacent to natural scrub, especially when grain stores are present
Microhabitat selection is driven by the need for protection from predators and extreme temperatures. Burrows are shallow and usually excavated in loose soil beneath rocks or within the root mats of perennial plants. Nests are constructed from plant material, dry grass, and sometimes animal fur, and are placed in concealed locations such as under stones or within dense vegetation.
Several species illustrate the ecological breadth of the group:
- Acomys cahirinus – widespread in the eastern Mediterranean, inhabiting coastal dunes, cultivated lands, and rocky hillsides.
- Acomys dimidiatus – found in the Arabian Peninsula, preferring limestone cliffs and arid wadis.
- Acomys russatus – confined to the highlands of Ethiopia, occupying montane grasslands and rocky slopes.
Population density varies with resource availability; areas with abundant seeds and insects support larger colonies, while marginal deserts host solitary individuals or small family groups. Seasonal movements are limited; individuals generally remain within a home range of 0.5–2 ha throughout the year.