Taiwan vole
This species is endemic to Taiwan. It is small in size and weighs 35-45 grams. The hairs on the back are brown at the tips and gray below and its pelage is quite soft and fluffy. It has small eyes, large round ears, and a relatively short snout. It is mainly distributed in mountainous areas in Taiwan at 3,000 meters or more above sea level. Its main habitats are alpine meadows and conifer forest margins. It feeds on the tender shoots, stems, and leaves of Yushan cane and alpine silvergrass. Based on research studies, the Taiwan vole is monogamous, which is a rare phenomenon among rodents and other mammals. Both parents raise their offspring together, which increases their chance of survival in harsh alpine environments.
Text/Chen Yan-jun, Chen Mu-Xuan
Photo/Huang Xiao-Ting
