SPINY MOUSE

(Acomys), any of 18 species of large-eared rodents, family Muridae (order Rodentia), characterized by the hard, spiny hairs of their backs. Spiny mice are sand-coloured, reddish brown, or grayish and are about 10 centimetres (4 inches) long, excluding the long, scaly tail. Spiny mice are found in rocky or sandy areas of Africa and southwestern Asia. They are herbivorous, feeding primarily on grain and plants, and in some areas they live near or with humans.