Dark bolo mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dark bolo mouse |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Necromys
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| Species: |
obscurus
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| Synonyms | |
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Bolomys obscurus |
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The dark bolo mouse (also called the dark-furred akodont) is a small rodent that belongs to the family Cricetidae. Its scientific name is Necromys obscurus. This mouse lives in two main areas: one group is found in parts of Buenos Aires Province in Argentina, and another group lives along the coast of southern Uruguay. These two groups are slightly different and are called subspecies.
Contents
What Does the Dark Bolo Mouse Look Like?
The dark bolo mouse is the biggest mouse in its group, called Necromys. It measures about 110 millimeters (4.3 inches) from its head to its body. Its tail is a bit shorter, around 75 millimeters (3 inches) long.
Its fur is quite long and shiny. The top part of its body is dark brown or brownish-black. Each hair has a black base and tip, with a lighter part in the middle. This gives its fur a mixed, "agouti" look.
The mouse's cheeks and sides have a hint of orange or light brown. Its belly is grayish, with hairs that have yellowish tips. The top of its tail is dark brown, and the underside is gray. Its front paws are dark, and its feet have dark fur mixed with some light brown hairs.
Where Does the Dark Bolo Mouse Live?
The dark bolo mouse lives in two separate places. One population is found along the coast of southern Uruguay. The other lives in the inland and coastal areas of eastern Buenos Aires Province in Argentina.
Fossils show that this mouse used to live in more places across Argentina a long time ago. Today, it prefers certain types of homes. These include:
- Grassy areas
- Edges of farm fields
- Wet places near small rivers or streams
- Rocky spots in hilly regions
How Does the Dark Bolo Mouse Live?
The dark bolo mouse is mostly active during the day. It usually stays on the ground, but it can also dig burrows sometimes.
This mouse is an omnivore, which means it eats both plants and animals. Its diet includes small invertebrates like crickets and beetles. It also eats different kinds of plant material.
Is the Dark Bolo Mouse in Danger?
The places where the dark bolo mouse lives are spread out and separated. Even though it's quite common in the areas where it does live, it doesn't seem to like it when its meadow homes are disturbed.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) checks on animals around the world. They have said that the dark bolo mouse is "near threatened". This means it's not in immediate danger, but its population could become threatened in the future if its habitat changes too much.
See also
In Spanish: Ratón oscuro para niños
