El Dorado grass mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids El Dorado grass mouse |
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The El Dorado grass mouse or Utcubamba akodont (Akodon orophilus) is a small rodent that belongs to the family Cricetidae. This family includes many types of mice and hamsters. This special mouse is found in the high lands of Ecuador and Peru in South America.
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What is the El Dorado Grass Mouse?
The El Dorado grass mouse is a type of mouse that lives in grassy areas, often at high altitudes. It is part of a group of rodents called Akodon, which are known as grass mice. These mice are usually small, with soft fur and short tails. They play an important role in their ecosystems.
Where Does It Live?
This mouse lives in the Andes Mountains, which are very tall mountains in South America. It prefers habitats like cloud forests and grasslands. These areas are often misty and have lots of plants, which provide food and shelter for the mouse.
- Ecuador: In Ecuador, it lives in the southern parts of the country.
- Peru: In Peru, it is found in the northern regions, especially in places like the Utcubamba Valley.
These areas are known for their rich plant life and unique animal species. The mouse needs these specific environments to survive.
What Does It Look Like?
Like many grass mice, the El Dorado grass mouse is fairly small. It has soft, often brownish or grayish fur that helps it blend into its grassy surroundings. Its eyes and ears are usually small, and it has a short tail. These features are common for mice that live on the ground and hide in vegetation.
What Does It Eat?
The El Dorado grass mouse is mostly a herbivore, which means it eats plants. Its diet likely includes:
- Seeds
- Grasses
- Other small plant parts
By eating these plants, the mouse helps to spread seeds and control plant growth in its habitat.
How Was It Discovered?
The El Dorado grass mouse was first described by a scientist named Wilfred Hudson Osgood in 1913. Scientists often give new species names that relate to where they were found or what they look like. The name "orophilus" means "mountain-loving," which fits perfectly for a mouse found in the Andes Mountains.
Why Is It Important?
The El Dorado grass mouse is listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that its population is currently stable and not at high risk of disappearing. However, it is still important to protect its habitat. Many animals in the Andes are facing threats from:
- Habitat loss due to farming
- Climate change
- Other human activities
Protecting these mice helps to keep the mountain ecosystems healthy and balanced.
See also
- In Spanish: Akodon orophilus para niños
