Animal Fix: Mongolian Jerboa & Bolivian Turtles

lookit the ears!

An endangered Mongolian rodent described as "the Mickey Mouse of the desert" has been thrust into the spotlight in a bid to ensure its survival. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) on Monday released the first known footage of the long-ear jerboa, which looks like a mouse-sized kangaroo with enormous ears.

The little jumping rodent was filmed hopping about in its natural habitat in the Gobi desert by the scientists from the ZSL's Edge program, which focuses its efforts on animals which are "evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered".

It's in the hole!

It is threatened by disturbance of its habitat, with the domestic cat emerging as a newly-introduced predator into the rodent's range.

What, no mention of Carl Spackler??

My kitten Tina, would certainly be one of those domesticated cats who would definitely "play" with a little jumping mousie. I refuse to play fetch with it, though.

make room! gang way!

Bolivian environmental authorities on Thursday released more than 50-thousand turtles into the Mamore River in an operation to help preserve the endangered animals. The turtles were bred in captivity for more than three months and then released back into their natural habitat where it is hoped they will replenish the wild turtle population.

Two different species of turtles were involved in this process: the "Tataruga" and the "Peta Grande".

water looks a bit murky...

Environmentalists say both species had become endangered due to abusive hunting by local fishermen, water pollution and natural predators. According to program biologists, the most effective measure has been to protect the nests where the turtles lay their eggs.

Biologists, soldiers and volunteers look after the nests day and night to protect them from wild animals and also move them to higher ground to avoid rises in the water level.