Extremely Rare Mouse Rescued at TRNC Wildlife Hospital

One of the rarest and least documented mammal species in Cyprus has been taken in by the Wildlife Hospital in Northern Cyprus. The Cypriot spiny mouse (Acomys nesiotes) was brought to veterinarians after being attacked by a domestic cat.

According to staff at the Taşkent Nature Park, the small, rare rodent was found injured inside a home after an encounter with a cat and was rushed to the sanctuary’s hospital for emergency care.

Unfortunately, veterinarians say the mouse’s overall condition is poor, and its chances of survival are slim. However, treatment is ongoing.

“This elusive endemic species is found in only a few locations across Cyprus and is mentioned in very few scientific records. Unlike most mice, the Cypriot spiny mouse has a distinctive coat resembling hedgehog spines, which is how it got its name,” the sanctuary explained.

This is the second Cypriot spiny mouse to be admitted to the Wildlife Hospital, and both were found in the same location. However, the hospital has chosen not to disclose the exact site.