Hastings River mouse
The Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis) is a species of Australian rodent in the subfamily Murinae[2][3] of the family Muridae. It is found only in Australia.[1]
| Hastings River mouse | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Genus: | Pseudomys |
| Species: | P. oralis |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudomys oralis Thomas, 1921 | |
Ecological role
Although it is not known if the Hastings River mouse nests with other breeds of this rodent or individually, it is known that in captivity, the Hastings River mouse can eat grain. In the wild, the species adapts well to the seasons by eating various plant materials in the summer and when winter comes, the diet is supplemented by fungi.[4] There is a breeding season in the wild that occurs from August through March. There is also mating that occurs during the winter.
Population and conservation role
There is little known on the population of this species, as the species is both rare and elusive. The Hastings River mouse is often found in New South Wales, Eastern Australia and Queensland in altitudes reaching 1200 m. The Hastings River mouse is easily killed by humans suggesting possible domesticity of this species.
Size and biology
The body and head of this species measures about 145 mm and the average tail measurement is about 140 mm, slightly larger than most other mice. It also weighs an approximate 92 g.
References
- Woinarski, J. & Burbidge, A.A. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Pseudomys oralis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T18554A115143455. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T18554A22398211.en. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
- Breed, Bill; Ford, Fred (2007). Native Mice and Rats (PDF). CSIRO Publishing.
- Musser, G.G.; Carleton, M.D. (2005). "Pseudomys oralis". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 894–1531. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
- "Hastings River Mouse". Archived from the original on 2004-09-06. Retrieved 2010-12-01.
- Menkhorst, P and Knight, F. 2001. Hastings River Mouse (Pseudomys oralis): Mammals of Lamington National Park. Australia: Fauna.com .