Gould's mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gould's mouse |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pseudomys
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| Species: |
gouldii
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The Gould's mouse (Pseudomys gouldii) was a small mouse that once lived in eastern Australia. It was named after John Gould, a famous ornithologist and artist. This mouse was a bit smaller than a black rat. Sadly, it is now believed to be extinct, meaning it no longer exists anywhere in the world.
What Was Gould's Mouse Like?
Gould's mice were very social animals. They lived together in small family groups. During the day, they would hide in cozy nests. These nests were made from soft, dry grass. They built their homes inside burrows. These burrows were usually dug about 15 centimeters (6 inches) deep. They liked to dig their burrows under bushes for extra protection.
Where Did Gould's Mouse Live?
Before European settlers arrived in Australia, Gould's mouse was very common. It lived across a wide area of eastern inland Australia. It was an important part of the local ecosystem.
Why Did Gould's Mouse Disappear?
Gould's mouse populations started to drop very quickly after the 1840s. Scientists believe several things might have caused their disappearance:
- New Predators: Cats were brought to Australia by settlers. These cats were very good hunters. They might have hunted the Gould's mice until there were none left.
- Competition: Other types of rats and mice were also brought to Australia. These new animals competed with Gould's mice for food and places to live. The native mice might not have been able to compete.
- Diseases: New diseases could have spread among the Gould's mice. These diseases might have been brought by the introduced animals.
- Habitat Changes: The land changed a lot after European settlement. Grazing animals, like sheep and cattle, ate much of the plants. This changed the mouse's habitat. Also, the way fires were managed changed. This affected the plants and environment the mice depended on.
Despite many searches, no Gould's mice have been seen since 1856 or 1857. This is why scientists believe they are now extinct.
