In the world, rodents are the most varied of mammals. More than 2,000 species are now known, accounting for approximately 40 per cent of all mammals. In the Basque Country, rodents are second in diversity, behind bats (although they have the name “mouse” internalized, they do not belong to the same group). The most well-known rodents are the mouse and rat, and the ones that most phobia ignites. But in addition to these two famous “enemies”, in our territory we have fifteen other species of rodents. Today we will meet one that for many goes unnoticed: rural land.

This round looking animal, ears and short tail can be easy to confuse, as it looks more like mice, but also like topos of life. In fact, the name itself gives us enough clues: the “mouse” that lives on earth. These animals give most of their life in the subsoil. They build a spherical cavity 30 to 50 cm from the Earth's surface, which is its nest, and they build several galleries that connect it to the exterior. However, the entrances and exits of the galleries do not resemble those identifiable ground hills of the topos, but the round holes of the ground.

In these nests, rural areas accumulate food, are also an ideal shelter for puppies and also use them to sleep. Each female tends to build their own nest, but interestingly, sometimes they share the nest among the females; five females can use the same nest and they all defend it at once.

As in many small animals, the life of rural land is usually not very long. Only 65% of the animals born in this species reach one month and live on average about 4.5 months. Most die shortly after reproducing. However, the strategy (r strategy) used by small animals to cope with the high mortality rate is to have many pups. Rural land populations have experienced demographic turmoil in recent years which, although imperceptible a few years ago, seem to have spread to many environments.

This animal, like so many others, was unknown to many of us, but that doesn't mean that it has no particularity, nor that it has less importance because it's small. It's not a mouse, it's not a mole, it's a special terrain. And it's not the only one. In the Basque Country we have six other species, each with its peculiarities and characteristics.

RUSTIC (Microtus arvalis)

Group: Vertebrate/Mammal/Rodentia.
Size: Body 96-122 mm and tail 28-42 mm.
Where does he live? He likes areas where there's a lot of weed or bush, but it can be found in different habitats.
What do you eat? It's a strict herbivore, dicotyledonic plants are the ones you like the most.
Threats: Intensive agriculture and pesticides.
Level of protection: It's not protected.