Asia Minor spiny mouse

The Asia Minor spiny mouse (Acomys cilicicus) is a small, terrestrial rodent in the Muridae family. It is social, living in large groups, and measures 104–121 mm in head and body length, with a tail of 102–117 mm and a weight of up to 48 g. Its upper fur is dark gray with purple reflections, while the lower parts are yellowish-white, and the flanks are light brown. The tail is hairless and scaly.

In captivity, these mice can live for about four years. Previously considered endangered, they are now protected under a conservation program, requiring government permission for export from Turkey. Only a few zoos worldwide, including Chester, Riga, Prague, Tallinn, and Helsinki Zoos, house this species.

Acomys cilicicus is endemic to Turkey, specifically found 17 km east of Silifke in Mersin Province along the southern coast. Its habitat includes temperate forests and areas near human settlements. It is related to the Cairo spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) and the Cyprus spiny mouse (Acomys nesiotes), though it exhibits distinct morphological differences.

The species was once classified as Critically Endangered but is now listed as Data Deficient due to taxonomic uncertainties, as it may be conspecific with the widespread A. cahirinus.