Santa Cruz nesoryzomys facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Santa Cruz nesoryzomys |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Nesoryzomys
|
| Species: |
indefessus
|
The Nesoryzomys indefessus was a type of rodent that lived on the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. It is also known as the Santa Cruz nesoryzomys or the Indefatigable Galápagos mouse. This small mammal belonged to a group of rodents called Nesoryzomys. Sadly, this species is now extinct.
It used to live on Santa Cruz Island. Scientists believe it disappeared because black rats were brought to the island. These new rats likely competed for food or spread diseases. Another similar rodent, N. narboroughi, is sometimes thought to be a close relative of the N. indefessus.
What's in a Name?
The name Nesoryzomys indefessus has a special meaning. The second part of its scientific name, indefessus, comes from Latin. It means "unwearied" or "indefatigable."
This mouse was named after the island where it lived. That island was once called "Indefatigable Island." It got this name from a ship called the HMS Indefatigable. So, the mouse's name connects it directly to its home island.
