Fawn hopping mouse

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Fawn hopping mouse
Fawn hopping mouse.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Notomys
Species:
N. cervinus
Binomial name
Notomys cervinus
(Gould, 1853)

The fawn hopping mouse (Notomys cervinus) is a medium sized rodent endemic to the Channel Country Bioregion of northeast South Australia and southwest Queensland in Australia. [2] They inhabit open gibber (stony) and clay plains of the Lake Eyre basin. [3] While the population and distribution has been greatly reduced since European settlement, the current population shows little evidence of significant decline and is consequently listed as 'Near Threatened'. [3]

Contents

Taxonomy

From Gould, Mammals of Australia Notomys cervinus - Gould.jpg
From Gould, Mammals of Australia

The first description of this species was published by John Gould from a holotype of unknown collection location from Victoria. [4] It was presented to the Zoological Society of London and published in 1853. [4] The description was aided by several paratype specimens also from an unspecified location and donation. [4] It was determined to be segregated by habitat from the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus) and identifiable by lacking throat pouches. [4] Also by the males having a naked area of glandular skin. [4]

Description

The fawn hopping mouse is a medium sized rodent weighing between 30 and 50 g (1.1 and 1.8 oz) with a head and body length between 10 and 12 cm (3.7 to 4.7 in). [5] [2] [6] Its bi-coloured tail is longer than the length of the body reaching a length of 12–16 cm (4.7 to 6.3 in) ending with a tuft of dark hairs. [2] [6] [7] The head is broad and short with large, long ears with distinctive large protuberant eyes. [2] [6] Whiskers on the muzzle are extremely long reaching a length of up to 6.5 cm (2.6 in). [2] [6] The hind legs and feet are very elongated similar to other hopping mouse species. [2] [6] This allows for efficient movements through the environment. [2] [6]

Identification

The colour range of the upper body between individuals varies from a pale pinkish-fawn to grey. [5] [2] [6] The underside is white with the tail following a similar colour pattern to the rest of the body except the dark brush at the tip. [5] [2] [6] The absence of throat pouches in both males and females can be used to distinguish fawn hopping mouse from the closely related species the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus) and spinifex hopping mouse (Notomys alexis). [6] [8] The presence of a naked area of glandular skin on the chest between the forelimbs of males (and some females) can also be used to distinguish between species. [6] [8]

Distribution and habitat

Current distribution of the fawn hopping mouse (Notomys cervinus), Image: IUCN Red List Current distribution map.png
Current distribution of the fawn hopping mouse (Notomys cervinus), Image: IUCN Red List

Current range

The current endemic range of the fawn hopping mouse is largely reduced to the Channel Country Bioregion north-east South Australia and south-west Queensland. [2] [3] [6] Restricted to a quarter of the area surrounding the Lake Eyre Basin with a patchy distribution. [2] [3] [6] Records from the 19th century and anecdotal evidence from the 1930s show that the former range of this species was much larger and suggests it may have existed in a broader range of habitats. [9] [10] The historical range included  most of the Lake Eyre Basin, southern Northern Territory, and the eastern edge of the Nullarbor Plain as well as western New South Wales. [3] [6] [9] Subfossil evidence supports this broader range along with some specimens have been found in Western Australia around the Nullarbor Plain. [9]

Historical range

The species is currently listed as extinct in NSW and the Northern Territory. [2] [6] Insubstantial evidence for the species has been found in Charlotte Waters, Alice Springs, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Curtin Springs. [2] [6] [7] [11] Targeted surveys conducted in 2008 and 2009 in the south-eastern Northern Territory failed to locate the species leading to it being declared extinct. [3] From known pre-European range, the overall decline of the species is higher than 50% since the 1950s. [3]

Habitat

The preferred habitat of the fawn hopping mouse is open gibber and clay plains in arid environments. [2] [5] [6] These are smaller areas of overlying sand with sparse vegetation. [2] [6] Small ephemeral grasses and forbs dominate these environments with the occasional taller perennial plant. [2]

Behaviour and Ecology

Behaviour

The fawn hopping mouse constructs burrows in sand patches, or in gibber or claypans when soil is softened after rain. [2] [3] [6] These are simpler and shallower than the ones constructed by dusky hopping mouse up to a metre deep and have between one and three entrances. [6] One individual will have at least two burrows in the system. [3] Fawn hopping mice can be either solitary or live in small groups made up of two to four individuals. [6] [12] This species is nocturnal, using its burrows during the day to avoid the highest extreme temperatures. [2] [6]

Diet

These animals can travel hundreds of metres while foraging. [6] Their diet consists of predominantly seeds but they will eat green shoots and insects if available. [2] [3] [6] They do not require fresh water to drink, as they can obtain most  water from succulent saltwater plants (halophytes). [2] [3] [6] If necessary, they can also consume salt water due to a high salt tolerance, excreting excess salt in concentrated urine and faeces. [6] Adult males have hairless patches of glandular skin on their chest underneath the forearms. [6] [8] This is inferred to be used for scent-marking and is present in pregnant or lactating females. [8]

Breeding

Breeding in this species follows an opportunistic pattern, occurring in periods of productivity when conditions are favourable. [6] [12] As such, the population of fawn hopping mice can increase significantly following exceptionally high rainfall during high plant productivity. [12] Conversely, the population contracts significantly during dry periods with low plant productivity. [3] [12] The reproduction rate is lower than other hopping mouse species with between one and five pups. [12] After mating, the gestation period has been observed in captivity to be between 38 and 40 days with fully furred young being born. [6] [12] The young become fully independent within a month of being born. [12] There is currently little data on the reproductive age or the life span of this species. [3] However other closely related species can breed within a few months after birth and can live for around 5.3 to 6.4 years of age. [3] The generation rate of this species is estimated to be around 2.5 to 3.6 years. [3] [12]

Conservation

Threats

The main threat to the fawn hopping mouse is predation from introduced predators mainly cats (Felis catus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). [2] [3] [5] Hyperpredation by cats has been linked to the reduction of rodent populations of similar size to fawn hopping mice in low productivity landscapes. [3] However, the presence of cats in the favoured environment is rare reducing the effect on the population allowing the species to have survived. [3] While foxes are more present in this environment their impact on this species is yet to be determined in an official setting. [3] Habitat changes from land degradation and overgrazing by feral livestock and invasion of weeds have also had an effect on the population of this species. [2] [3] [5] Domestic and feral ungulates can cause degradation of vegetated patches of sand by excessive trampling leading to destabilisation and increased erosion. [3] The higher stocking rates of livestock prior to 1950 may have been an influence on the historical decline of the range and population of this species. [3] Overgrazing by livestock and introduced herbivores can reduce the amount of resources available and lead to population decline. [2] Climate change from reduced rainfall, increased temperatures and the increasing frequency of droughts may also have an impact on the species. [5] Again, these effects are yet to be quantified.

Conservation assessment

The fawn hopping mouse is currently listed as 'Extinct' in NSW and as a result of 'Least Concern'. [6] The fawn hopping mouse is currently presumed extinct in the Northern Territory and the most recent confirmed record of the species was in 1895. [2] A targeted survey of historical locations and key ideal habitats were conducted between 2008 and 2009 and failed to locate the species. [2] [6] Additional comprehensive surveys in the Finke Bioregion and Charlotte Waters also failed to locate the species. [2] [7] [11] This resulted in the species being presumed extinct in the Northern Territory and listed as ‘Least Concern’. [2] [6] The population size of the fawn hopping mouse is prone to fluctuate in size due to the boom-and-bust nature of their environment. [3] So it can be difficult to determine population decline however, there is currently little evidence to suggest there is ongoing decline of this species. [3] The current population is therefore listed as near threatened as a result. [3]

Conservation efforts

There are currently no specific management strategies or recovery plans in place for the fawn hopping mouse. [3] However, there are some measures that could be put in place to aid population numbers. The implementation of broad scale or intensive control of feral cats and foxes where possible and if appropriate. [3] Assessing the impact of introduced predators on the population of this species. [3] Assess the impact and response of different grazing patterns and identify the threshold of unsustainable grazing. [3] Identifying areas which are resistant to drought and implementing protection plans for these areas. [3] The use of existing monitoring strategies to develop a way to track populations across representative areas of range. [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hopping mouse</span> Genus of rodents

A hopping mouse is any of about ten different Australian native mice in the genus Notomys. They are rodents, not marsupials, and their ancestors are thought to have arrived from Asia about 5 million years ago.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dusky hopping mouse</span> Species of rodent

The dusky hopping mouse, is a small rodent endemic to Australia, inhabiting desert regions characterised by sand dunes. Populations have experienced significant declines since the arrival of Europeans, and continue to be subject to threatening processes. It is currently listed as a threatened species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spinifex hopping mouse</span> Species of rodent

The spinifex hopping mouse, also known as the tarkawara or tarrkawarra, occurs throughout the central and western Australian arid zones, occupying both spinifex-covered sand flats and stabilised sand dunes, and loamy mulga and melaleuca flats.

The big-eared hopping mouse is an extinct species of mouse, which lived in the Moore River area of south-western Australia. The big-eared hopping mouse was a small, rat-sized animal resembling a tiny kangaroo. It had large eyes and ears with a brush-tipped tail. It moved on its four legs when traveling at a slower pace, or by bounding upon its enlarged, padded, hind feet when traveling quickly. They mainly lived in sand dunes and made nests of leaves and other organic materials. The big-eared hopping-mouse was last collected in July 1843 near the Moore River, Western Australia, close to where New Norcia is now situated, and has not been seen since.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gould's mouse</span> Species of rodent

Gould's mouse, also known as the Shark Bay mouse and djoongari in the Pintupi and Luritja languages, is a species of rodent in the murid family. Once ranging throughout Australia from Western Australia to New South Wales, its range has since been reduced to five islands off the coast of Western Australia.

The short-tailed hopping mouse is an extinct species of mouse from open stony (gibber) plains with desert grasses, low shrubs and sand ridges in the area around Charlotte Waters, near Alice Springs in Central Australia. It weighed 80 grams. The last record is from June 1896. Only two complete specimens were collected, probably from Aboriginal Australians. It was among the largest of all Australian hopping mice recorded in Australia; it was twice as heavy as any living species of hopping mice, although fossils suggest the extinct great hopping mouse may have been a similar size. The short-tailed hopping mouse was predominantly brown in colour, its tail probably being as long as its body. This species' decline was due to a number of factors, some of which were being hunted by predators such as foxes, cats and habitat alterations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kultarr</span> Species of marsupial

The kultarr is a small insectivorous nocturnal marsupial inhabiting the arid interior of Australia. Preferred habitat includes stony deserts, shrubland, woodland, grassland and open plains. The kultarr has a range of adaptations to help cope with Australia's harsh arid environment including torpor similar to hibernation that helps conserve energy. The species has declined across its former range since European settlement due to changes in land management practices and introduced predators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mitchell's hopping mouse</span> Species of rodent

Mitchell's hopping mouse also known as the pankot, is the largest extant member of the genus Notomys, weighing between 40 and 60 g. N. mitchellii is a bipedal rodent with large back legs, similar to a jerboa or kangaroo rat. The species occurs throughout much of semi-arid Southern Australia, and appears to be particularly common on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. Typical habitat for N. mitchellii appears to be mallee shrublands on sandy dune systems. The species is currently considered to be unthreatened, but its range has been reduced through habitat disturbance and destruction associated with European settlement in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plains rat</span> Species of rodent

The plains rat(Pseudomys australis), also known as the palyoora, plains mouse and eastern mouse, is a conilurine rodent native to arid and semi-arid Australia. Referred to as the pallyoora or yarlie by Indigenous groups, the plains rat was once widely distributed across central Australia, including north-west New South Wales and south-west Queensland; however, habitat degradation due to grazing, introduced predators and drought have contributed to its decline. Consequently, the plains rat has been listed as 'presumed extinct' in New South Wales and Victoria, 'endangered' in the Northern Territory and Queensland and 'vulnerable' in Western Australia and South Australia. While recent research has indicated the presence of the plains rat in areas such as the Fowlers Gap and Strzelecki Desert regions of New South Wales and within the Diamantina National Park in Queensland, there are only five sub-populations currently recognised nationally, none of which coincide with recent discoveries of the plains rat. As the current population trend of the plains rat has been listed as 'declining' by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the IUCN conservation status for the species is 'vulnerable'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern hopping mouse</span> Species of rodent

The northern hopping mouse is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found only in coastal northern Australia, from Arnhem Land to the Cobourg Peninsula.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long-tailed hopping mouse</span> Species of mammal

The long-tailed hopping mouse is an extinct species of rodent in the family Muridae. It was found only in Australia. It is known from a handful of specimens, the last of which was collected in 1901 or possibly 1902. It is presumed to have become extinct within a few decades from then – possibly several decades in view of a skull fragment found in an owl pellet in 1977. The cause of extinction is unknown, but may be a variety of factors including predation and habitat alteration. Little is known of its biology other than that it dug burrows in stiff clay soils. It was less a pest to humans than other hopping mice, although it would eat raisins. The mouse was mainly gray in colour with small pink ears and big eyes with a long hairy pink tail about two inches longer than its own body. It was first described by John Gould on the basis of specimens sent to him from Australia.

The Darling Downs hopping mouse is an extinct species of mammal in the family Muridae. It is known from a single skull found at Darling Downs, Queensland, Australia. Introduced predators such as foxes and domestic cats may have forced this species into extinction. The skull is identified as one of the Notomys, the hopping mice, an Australian genus that has been subject to rapid declines in populations leading to local and species extinction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smoky mouse</span> Species of rodent

The smoky mouse is a species of rodent in the family Muridae native to southeastern Australia. It was first described in 1934 and its species name is Latin for "smoky". As its name suggests, it is a grey-furred mouse, darker grey above and paler smoky grey below. Mice from the Grampians are larger and a darker more slate-grey above. It has a black eye-ring and dark grey muzzle. The feet are light pink, and the ears a grey-pink. The tail is longer than the mouse's body, and is pink with a brownish stripe along the top. Mice from east of Melbourne average around 35 grams and have 107 mm long bodies with 116 mm long tails, while those from the Grampians are around 65 grams and have 122 mm long bodies with 132 mm long tails.

The western chestnut mouse is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is native to northern Australia and various close islands, with the vast majority found in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Holland mouse</span> Species of rodent

The New Holland mouse also known as a Pookila is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It was first described by George Waterhouse in 1843. It vanished from view for over a century before its rediscovery in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park north of Sydney in 1967. It is found only in south east Australia, within the states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central rock rat</span> Species of rodent

The central rock rat, also known as the central thick-tailed rock-rat, Macdonnell Range rock-rat, and Australian native mouse, is a Critically Endangered species of rodent in the family Muridae endemic to Australia.

Pebble-mound mice are a group of rodents from Australia in the genus Pseudomys. They are small, brownish mice with medium to long, often pinkish brown tails. Unlike some other species of Pseudomys, they construct mounds of pebbles around their burrows, which play an important role in their social life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hydromyini</span> Tribe of rodents

Hydromyini is a very large, diverse tribe of muroid rodents in the subfamily Murinae. They are the dominant native rodents in Australasia and one of only two native rodent groups there, the other being the R. fuscipes group of the genus Rattus in the tribe Rattini. They are also found in parts of Southeast Asia.

References

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  9. 1 2 3 Ellis, M (1993). "Extension to the known range of the Fawn Hopping-mouse Notomys cervinus in New South Wales". Australian Zoologist. 29: 77–78. doi:10.7882/AZ.1993.006.
  10. Finlayson, H.H (1939). On mammals from the Lake Eyre Basin (Part IV): The Monodelphia (63 ed.). South Australia: Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia. pp. 88–118. ISSN   0372-1426.
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