Mickey Mouse kangaroo captured on camera for the first time

An "extraordinary" desert creature has been caught on camera for what scientists believe is the first time.

The long-eared jerboa, a tiny nocturnal mammal that is dwarfed by its enormous ears, can be found in deserts in Mongolia and China.



Zoological Society of London (ZSL) scientist Jonathan Baillie said was "ecstatic" to have tracked down the jerboas.

"These creatures hop just like a kangaroo; it is amazing to watch. Little hairs on their feet, almost like snow shoes, allow them to jump along the sand," he explained.



"And in terms of mammals, they have one of the biggest ear-to-body ratios out there. The long-eared jerboa is a bit like the Mickey Mouse of the desert, cute and comic in equal measure."

There are two other videos here and here.