Rare Sand Mouse Confirmed in Remote Libyan Valley
A video recording from the Drin Valley in southwestern Libya has provided the first physical evidence of the sand mouse ( Felis margarita), a species uniquely adapted to desert environments. The discovery, highlighted by The Guardian, suggests the Drin Valley may represent an unrecognized habitat for this resilient animal. The 2017 video depicts a small, pale mouse actively digging a hole within the remote valley.
Initially met with skepticism, the footage sparked considerable disbelief. Researcher Dr. Almutaziri, who presented the video, stated, “When I first showed it, nobody believed it was filmed in Libya.”
The sand mouse is scientifically related to the familiar domestic mouse, belonging to the same species, genus, and family.
Dr. Almutaziri’s persistence in asserting the mouse’s presence near his home, just 70 kilometers from Zintan, ultimately led to verification of this significant finding. Further research is expected to explore the potential of the Drin Valley as a crucial location for the Felis margarita population.
The discovery underscores the ongoing importance of documenting biodiversity in challenging environments.
Topics: #video #mouse #drin
