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    Dipodidae – Dipodids

    -“My, what a long tail you have… and what big feet you have!” – “…all the better to jump with”

    Dipod means two feet and is an appropriate name for the cutest little rodents with front limbs so short that they appear to be absent but huge back legs (and feet) that more than makeup for it. They also have tails that are longer than their bodies!

    Birch mice, jumping mice, and jerboas are nocturnal natives of the Northern hemisphere. They are skittish, solitary creatures that hibernate for at least six months of the year. They feed on insects, seeds, fungi, and vegetation. Their chosen method of locomotion is by jumping (up to 3m – 10 ft when chased!) using their back legs, with their long tails extended for balance.