Dusky hopping mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dusky hopping mouse |
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The dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus) is a special type of rodent that lives in the deep deserts of Australia. It's known for its amazing hopping ability! Like all hopping mice, it has strong front teeth, a long tail, big dark eyes, and large ears. It also has powerful back legs and very long, narrow hind feet, perfect for jumping.
A dusky hopping mouse usually weighs between 20 and 50 grams. This is a bit heavier than a common house mouse, which weighs about 10 to 25 grams. Its fur is short, soft, and usually a pale orange color, sometimes with hints of grey. Its belly is white. The long tail of the dusky hopping mouse ends in a dark, brush-like tip. It also has four pads on the soles of its feet.
These mice breed when conditions are right, not at a specific time of year. Females have four teats, and their young grow up quite quickly, reaching maturity in about 70 days.
Conservation Status
The dusky hopping mouse is currently listed as a vulnerable species. This means its population is decreasing, and it could become endangered if we don't protect it.
Where They Live
Long ago, these mice lived across a large part of Central Australia. This included areas in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, the Northern Territory, and South Australia. Today, they are mostly found in a few spots in the Strzelecki Desert. This area is near the border of South Australia and Queensland. Scientists are still looking for them in the Northern Territory, but they haven't found any recently.
Dusky hopping mice prefer sandy places with stable sand dunes and plants that grow all year. They often live near lakes or drainage lines. Keep in mind that "lakes" in Central Australia are usually dry for many years!
Daily Life
These mice are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. During the day, they hide in very deep burrows to stay safe and cool. Their burrow entrances are about 3 centimeters wide. These tunnels go straight down for about 1.5 meters! They are also gregarious, which means they like to live in groups.
Why They Are Disappearing
Scientists are not completely sure why the dusky hopping mouse population is shrinking. However, they believe a few things are causing it:
- Competition for food: Introduced animals like cattle and European rabbits eat the same plants as the mice. This means less food for the dusky hopping mouse.
- Predators: Introduced predators like feral cats and foxes hunt and eat small native animals, including these mice.
Interestingly, studies have shown that dusky hopping mice are much more common in areas where dingos live. This is because dingoes often chase away foxes, which helps the mice survive.
Images for kids
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An adult dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus). Photo: Katherine Moseby.
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A sub-adult dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus). Photo: Katherine Moseby.
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The Strzelecki Desert, a home for the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus). Photo: Mike Letnic.
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Feral cats (Felis catus) hunt small mammals like native rodents. Photo: Megan Moppett.
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A sub-adult Dusky Hopping Mouse (Notomys fuscus). Photo: Katherine Moseby.
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A dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus) in the Strzelecki Desert. Photo: Sue Rodwell.
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