Djoongari facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Djoongari |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pseudomys
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| Species: |
fieldi
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| Synonyms | |
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Pseudomys praeconis Thomas, 1910 |
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The djoongari (say "joon-gah-ree"), also called the Shark Bay mouse, is a small rodent that belongs to the mouse and rat family. It lives only on four islands in the Shark Bay area of Australia.
Long ago, djoongaris lived across most of western Australia. But after European people arrived and brought new animals like cats and foxes, the djoongari population dropped a lot. Their home range shrunk to just the sandy beaches of Bernier Island, making them very endangered.
In 2003, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) moved some Shark Bay mice to Faure Island. They hoped to start a new, safe group there. Even though owls (which hunt mice) were on the island, the mice did well! Their numbers quickly grew, even more than on Bernier Island. This success helped save the djoongari from being on the edge of extinction.
Contents
What is a Djoongari?
The djoongari is a fairly large type of mouse from the Pseudomys group, which are Australian rodents. They have long, shaggy fur. Their fur on top is a pale yellowish-brown with darker brown hairs mixed in.
Size and Appearance
From head to body, a djoongari is about 90 to 115 millimeters (about 3.5 to 4.5 inches) long. Their tail is a bit longer, measuring about 115 to 125 millimeters (about 4.5 to 5 inches). They usually weigh around 45 grams (about 1.6 ounces), which is like a small chocolate bar.
Their ears are grayish and about 19 millimeters (0.75 inches) long. The fur on their belly is whitish, blending into the yellowish-brown on their back. Their feet are also whitish. The top of their tail is grayish, and the bottom is lighter. The tail ends with a small tuft of dark fur.
Where Did They Live Before?
Scientists have found old bones of djoongaris in many places. These fossils show that the djoongari used to live along the western coast of Australia. They also lived further inland in the dry, desert-like areas. This means they once had a much bigger home range than they do today.
Protecting the Djoongari
The djoongari is still considered a vulnerable species, meaning it could become endangered if we don't protect it. Efforts like moving them to new islands are important to make sure these unique Australian mice continue to thrive.
See also
In Spanish: Ratón de Gould para niños
