D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago tree mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago pogonomys |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Genus: | Pogonomys |
| Species: |
P. fergussoniensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Pogonomys fergussoniensis Laurie, 1952
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The D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago pogonomys (Pogonomys fergussoniensis), also called the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago tree mouse, is a special type of rat. It has a tail that can grip things, like a monkey's tail! This animal lives only in Papua New Guinea, on a group of islands called the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago. It's part of the Muridae family, which includes many mice and rats. Sadly, its home is shrinking because of deforestation, but scientists think it might be able to handle some changes to its habitat.
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What is the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys?
The D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago pogonomys is a unique kind of tree mouse. It is often mistaken for the Large Tree Mouse. However, scientists now believe it is its own distinct species.
How is it Different from Other Tree Mice?
This pogonomys is special because of its size and color. It has a larger body and skull than the Large Tree Mouse. Its fur is also different. The D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago pogonomys has brownish-red fur on its back. Its belly is a buffy-gray color. Its fur is also very sleek.
In contrast, the Large Tree Mouse has dark brownish-gray fur on its back. Its belly is white, and its fur feels woolly. These differences help scientists tell them apart.
Where Does the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Live?
This tree mouse is endemic to Papua New Guinea. This means it lives naturally only in this one place. Specifically, it lives on the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago islands.
Which Islands Does it Live On?
Scientists have found this species on a few islands. These include Fergusson Island, Goodenough Island, and Normanby Island. It lives on the ground but can also climb in plants. It has been seen near villages and in forests.
How Many Are There?
Scientists have not found many of these tree mice. There are only a few known specimens. Because of this, experts believe their numbers are going down.
Why is the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Endangered?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists this animal as an endangered species. This means it is at a high risk of disappearing forever.
What are the Main Threats?
One of the biggest dangers is deforestation. People are cutting down forests on the islands. They are turning the land into grasslands for farming. This takes away the pogonomys' home.
The area where this animal lives is also quite small. It is less than 5,000 square kilometers. It is found in fewer than six locations. These factors make it very vulnerable.
What is Being Done to Help?
It is not known if this tree mouse lives in any protected areas. More studies are needed to learn about it. Scientists need to find out where it lives, how many there are, and what its habits are. They also need to understand the threats it faces. This information will help protect this unique animal.
See also
- Greater tree mouse
- Large Tree Mouse
 | Laphonza Butler |
 | Daisy Bates |
 | Elizabeth Piper Ensley |
