Crete spiny mouse

The Crete spiny mouse (Acomys minous) is a species of spiny mouse endemic to the Greek island of Crete. It has coarse, stiff hairs on its back and tail, a notably grayer coloration and a more pointed face than other spiny mice, with fur from yellow to red, gray or brown above and white below. It is a nocturnal forager that feeds mainly on grass blades and seeds and builds only a very rudimentary nest. Gestation lasts five to six weeks, unusually long for a mouse, and the young are born well developed with open eyes. Three chromosomal forms with 38, 40 or 42 chromosomes occur on the island and interbreed where they meet. Evidence suggests the mice arrived recently, possibly carried by people from North Africa. Its taxonomic position is uncertain, so the IUCN treats it as Data Deficient, though it is common and not threatened.