Slender harvest mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender harvest mouse |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Reithrodontomys
|
| Species: |
gracilis
|
The slender harvest mouse (scientific name: Reithrodontomys gracilis) is a tiny rodent. It belongs to the Cricetidae family, which includes many mice and hamsters. This small, mouse-like animal lives in parts of Central America.
What Does It Look Like?
The slender harvest mouse has soft, short fur. Its fur is usually pale. The top of its body and back are a bit darker. Its belly can be pinkish-brown, orange, or white.
Its ears are brown or black. They have only a few hairs. The color of its feet can change. This depends on the season or where the mouse lives. Its tail is thin and has scales. It has a few scattered hairs. The tail can be two colors or a dark brown.
Where Does It Live?
The slender harvest mouse lives in several countries. You can find it in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. It lives from sea level up to about 1,400 meters high. This area stretches from southern Mexico to northwestern Costa Rica.
These mice like dry or semi-dry places. They prefer areas with good ground cover. This can be tropical forests or even deserts with cacti. They are not often seen. Scientists do not have good estimates of how many there are. These mice can also climb. They are found on cliffs, in trees, and among plant roots.
Reproduction
Scientists do not know much about how slender harvest mice reproduce. They usually have 2 to 4 babies at a time. Three babies is the average litter size. They likely have babies from late winter to mid-autumn.
Family Tree
The slender harvest mouse is related to other mice. Its closest relative is the Cozumel harvest mouse. This mouse is called R. spectabilis. There are five types of slender harvest mice known today. A very old bone from a small harvest mouse was found. It was in a cave in Mexico. This bone might have belonged to a slender harvest mouse.
