Hastings River mouse
| Hastings River mouse | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Genus: | Pseudomys |
| Species: | P. oralis |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudomys oralis Thomas, 1921 | |
The Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis) is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found only in Australia.[1]
Habitat
These rodents often prefer damp and moist environments, along drainage lines if necessary. They can also be found in nests that are in tree hollows close to the ground, most likely in the eucalypt forests and are made of vast types of plant materials. There has been no evidence of whether the Hastings River mouse nests with others or alone, but the rodent will live in any cavity that is close to the ground, even though tree hollows are the more known nesting site.
Ecological role
Although it is not known if the Hastings River mouse nests with other breeds of this rodent or individually, it is known that in captivity, the Hastings River mouse can eat grain. In the wild, the species adapts well to the seasons by eating various plant materials in the summer and when winter comes, the diet is supplemented by fungi.[2] There is a breeding season in the wild that occurs from August through March. There is also mating that occurs during the winter.
Population and conservation role
There is little known on the population of this species, as the species is both rare and elusive. The Hastings River mouse is often found in New South Wales, Eastern Australia and Queensland in altitudes reaching 1200 m. The Hastings River mouse is easily handled by humans suggesting possible domesticity of this species.
Size and biology
The body and head of this species measures about 145 mm and the average tail measurement is about 140 mm, slightly larger than most other mice. It also weighs an approximate 92 g.
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pseudomys oralis. |
- ↑ Menkhorst, P., Dickman, C., Denny, M., Aplin, K., Lunney, D. and Ellis, M. (2008). Pseudomys oralis. In: IUCN (2008). 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- ↑ http://www.australianfauna.com/hastingsrivermouse.php
- Baillie, J. 1996. Pseudomys oralis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 19 July 2007.
- Musser, G.G.; Carleton, M.D. (2005). "Superfamily Muroidea". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 894–1531. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
- Menkhorst, P and Knight, F. 2001. Hastings River Mouse (Pseudomys oralis): Mammals of Lamington National Park. Australia: Fauna.com .