Val's gundi

Val's gundi is a distinctive small rodent belonging to the family Ctenodactylidae, found in North Africa, specifically Morocco, Algeria, and Libya. These creatures exist in two distinct populations within these regions. If you encounter one, you might mistake it for other gundi species due to its grey fur, rounded ears, and guinea pig-like appearance.

Val's gundi favors rocky habitats and is generally less social compared to the more common gundi. Their breeding season spans from November to January, during which females typically give birth to one to three offspring per litter. These rodents are diurnal, being active during daylight hours, and have adapted to life in arid desert environments.

Though Val's gundi shares some physical characteristics with the common gundi, it is taxonomically distinct. Its name is derived from a local term. In terms of conservation, Val's gundi is currently classified as Data Deficient because detailed information about its population and distribution is lacking. However, it might be categorized as Least Concern if more comprehensive data were available.