Biology:Country mouse

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Short description: Species of rodent

Country mouse
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Pseudomys
Species:
P. patrius
Binomial name
Pseudomys patrius
(Thomas & Dollman, 1909)

The country mouse (Pseudomys patrius) also known as the pebble-mound mouse [2] or eastern pebble mound mouse [3] is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It lives only in Australia , where it is considered rare. It was described by Thomas and Dollman in 1909.[3]

Like other pebble-mound mice, it is known for building shallow burrows with mounds of pebbles surrounding the entrances. This function is understood to be protective and collects dew. In Queensland the observed mounds in coastal areas are smaller than in drier habitats, reflecting the need to collect more of the scarcer water.[2] The mouse lines the tunnel walls with pebbles for insulation and protection. It plugs smaller openings to the burrow system with a pebble, camouflaging the entrance, and unplugs it to exit in times of danger.[2]

References

  1. Burnett, S.; Aplin, K. (2008). "Pseudomys patrius". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008. https://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18571/0. Retrieved 1 December 2016. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Dyke, S. V. (1997). "Queensland Pebble-Mound Mice ... Up from the tailings". Australian Nature Magazine 25/10: 40–47. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 AUSTRALIANFAUNA.COM 1909 Eastern Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys patrius)


Wikidata ☰ Q1764928 entry