Angel Island mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Angel Island mouse |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Peromyscus
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| Species: |
guardia
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The Angel Island mouse (Peromyscus guardia) is a small rodent that once lived on Isla Ángel de la Guarda and nearby tiny islands in Mexico. It's also known as the La Guarda deermouse. This mouse is sadly believed to be extinct or very close to it.
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Where the Angel Island Mouse Lived
The Angel Island mouse was found only in Mexico. It lived on Isla Ángel de la Guarda and a few smaller islands. These islands are located in the northwestern Gulf of California, near Baja California.
Sadly, this mouse is thought to have disappeared from the three smaller islands. It might also be gone from Ángel de la Guarda itself. The main dangers to these mice were feral cats hunting them. Also, other rodents brought to the islands competed with them for food.
Within these islands, the mouse seemed to prefer sandy beaches. It might have also lived in rocky areas nearby. It was not found in the high, mountainous parts of the islands.
Types of Angel Island Mice
Scientists once recognized three different types, or subspecies, of the Angel Island mouse. However, two of these are now extinct:
- P. g. guardia - Lived on Ángel de la Guarda and Estanque islands.
- † P. g. harbisoni - Lived on Isla Granito.
- † P. g. mejiae - Lived on Mejia island.
What the Angel Island Mouse Looked Like
The Angel Island mouse had pale grey-brown fur on its back. Its belly and feet were white. It also had large ears with no hair.
It was hard to tell this mouse apart from similar mice on the mainland. Scientists usually needed to study its skull very closely. They also used genetic tests to identify it. Adult mice were about 19 to 22 centimeters (7.5 to 8.7 inches) long. This length included their tails, which were 9 to 12 centimeters (3.5 to 4.7 inches) long. Female mice had four teats on their stomachs.
How the Angel Island Mouse Lived
Scientists believe the Angel Island mouse came from a group of cactus mice. These mice became separated from the mainland long ago. The critically endangered San Lorenzo Mouse might also be from the same group. These two mouse species can still breed with each other. However, we don't know if their babies can have babies of their own.
Not much is known about the daily life of the Angel Island mouse. Scientists think they probably had their babies in the spring.
Why the Angel Island Mouse is Endangered
In the 1960s, many Angel Island mice were reported on at least three islands. But since 1991, no living mice have been seen. This is despite many searches.
The biggest threats to the mouse were feral cats. Also, house mice and black rats were brought to the islands. These new rodents competed with the Angel Island mouse for food and space.
The types of mice that lived on the two northern islets are now extinct. A single cat likely caused the extinction of the mice on Estanque island. This cat was only on the island for about a year, from 1998 to 1999.
Today, house mice live in the places where the Angel Island mouse used to be common. This change means that one type of animal has replaced another. The IUCN currently lists the Angel Island mouse as critically endangered. But since no living mice have been seen for over 20 years (as of 2011), it might be completely extinct. If any mice still survive, they likely live in a very small area, less than 10 square kilometers (3.9 square miles).
