Long-tailed mouse
| Long-tailed mouse | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Subfamily: | Murinae |
| Genus: | Pseudomys |
| Species: | P. higginsi |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudomys higginsi Trouessart, 1897 | |
The long-tailed mouse (Pseudomys higginsi) is a native Australian rodent found only on the island of Tasmania. The long-tailed mouse is an omnivore that feeds on insects and a range of plants. It is found in forested areas, particularly in sub-alpine scree, and may live in burrows.
The species reaches a weight of about 70 grams. It is distinguished from other species by its two-tone tail, which is white on the underside and dark above. The tail is longer than the head and body combined.
Fossils of this species have been found in Cloggs Cave, Buchan in eastern Victoria and were identified by palaeontologist Jeanette Hope. The date for the remains based on C-14 dating were between 12-20,000 years old.[1]
References
- Baillie (1996). Pseudomys higginsi. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 5 May 2006.
- ↑ Josephine Flood (2004) Archaeology of the Dreamtime, J.B Publishing, Marleston ISBN 1-876622-50-4
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