fbpx
Wikipedia

Dusky hopping mouse

January 01, 1970

The dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus), 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.[2]

Dusky hopping mouse
Dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus). Photo: Mike Letnic.
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Notomys
Species:
N. fuscus
Binomial name
Notomys fuscus
Jones, 1925
Current distribution of the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus), Image: IUCN Red List.

Taxonomy edit

 
Adult dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus). Photo: Katherine Moseby.

The dusky hopping mouse, or Wilkinti,[2][3] is a mammal in the order Rodentia, and suborder Sciurognathi. The species is in the family Muridae and the subfamily Murinae (includes all Australian native rats and mice). The dusky hopping mouse belongs to the genus Notomys, a group of desert-dwelling rodents.[4]

The species was originally described as Ascopharynx fuscus (Wood Jones 1925) from a specimen collected in South Australia. Subsequent collections were described as Notomys fuscus eyreius in 1960.[5] Hopping mice collected in Queensland between 1957 and 1959 were described as a new species, Notomys filmeri, however, later taxonomic investigation revealed these were Notomys fuscus.[6]

Description edit

 
Specimen of dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus), showing throat pouch. Image: Queensland Museum.

The dusky hopping mouse has pale orange-brown upper parts, occasionally with grey tinged streaks. The under parts are grey-white.[7] It grows to 80–115 mm long,[7] with an average weight of 35 g.[4][7] The tail is between 120 and 155 mm long,[7] ending in a tuft of dark hairs.[2][8] They have a well-developed throat pouch, with an opening surrounded by a fleshy margin with inward pointing, coarse white hairs.[7][9] Its ears are large and furless for dissipating heat, and they have prominent dark eyes,[2][10] and strong incisor teeth.[8][10] It has short front legs, and long, elongated hind feet.[2][8] with only three pads on the sole.[7] Male reproductive anatomy is distinctive.[4] The glans is small and tapered towards the tip. The surface has large dorsally projecting spines, with slightly curved tips.[11] The testes are extremely small compared to other native rodents.[12][13] Females have two pairs of inguinal teats.[7][8]

Distribution edit

 
Sub-adult dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus). Photo: Katherine Moseby.

The species historically inhabited large areas of central Australia, south-west Queensland, and far west South Australia,[14] and Western Australia.[15] Sub-fossil specimens were found in far-south South Australia, near the Flinders Ranges.[14] Populations were recorded in the Northern Territory, however have not been observed since 1939.[16][17] It is highly likely to have occurred in western New South Wales.[18] Distribution has shown a marked decline of more than 90% since the arrival of Europeans,[14] with populations now patchy and highly fragmented.[2][14] It is currently thought to be restricted to the Cobblers Sandhills and Strzelecki Desert in north-east South Australia,[14][15] south-west Queensland and far north-west New South Wales.[7][19] The species was presumed to be extinct in New South Wales, before being re-discovered in Sturt National Park in 2003.[18][20] Since then, a number of sightings have been recorded near Broken Hill, New South Wales.[20][21]

Ecology edit

Habitat edit

 
The Strzelecki Desert, contains habitats preferred by the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus). Photo: Mike Letnic.

The preferred habitat of the dusky hopping mouse is the crests and slopes of stabilised desert sand dunes and ridges,[15][20] with sand required for digging burrows.[22] Dense populations tend to occur only within the vicinity of major drainage systems.[14] It does not appear to favour a particular vegetation type, occurring in dunes well-vegetated by canegrass (Zygochloa paradoxa), as well as degraded ecosystems dominated by ephemeral herbaceous species.[14] It has also been associated with perennial shrub species such as nitre bush (Nitraria billardierei) and Acacia species.[20]

Behaviour edit

The dusky hopping mouse is a social species,[7] living in colonies of up to five individuals.[20][22][2] They live in burrows consisting of vertical shafts with a series of entrances approximately 3 cm in diameter,[7][2] leading to a network of horizontal tunnels and chambers[3][4] extending up to 2m deep.[22] Notomys species dig their burrows from below, resulting in an absence of loose sand surrounding the entrance holes.[10] This species prefers to forage at night in sheltered microhabitats, rather than open areas, to avoid the risk of predation.[23] It is an opportunistic,[14] omnivorous feeder, however is considered a granivore (74% of the diet).[24] Green plant material, insects,[24] and fruits are also eaten.[14] It does not need to drink water.[2][20] The neck throat pouch is a glandular area, used for marking territories. Females may scent-mark their young, ensuring they acquire a smell that grants them acceptance within the colony.[9]

 
Dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus) tracks in the sand. Photo: Mike Letnic.

Life cycle and reproduction edit

In the wild, lifespan has been recorded as being up to 13 months of age.[22] In captivity, males and females reach reproductive maturity at 70 days of age.[25] This species is likely monogamous, and females may display selectivity in choosing which males will sire offspring.[10][13] Breeding is non-seasonal, occurring year-round, in both wet and dry conditions.[14][25] Females are observed to be polyoestrous, with a gestation period of 32 to 38 days, and a litter size of one to five offspring. An average of 42 days occurs between litters, and the maximum reproductive life for females is approximately 24 months, and males 36 months.[25] Subpopulations may persist at low but stable numbers, however others exhibit “boom-and-bust” variation, with numbers increasing and decreasing rapidly in response to rainfall and resource availability.[21][22][26][27]

Dispersal and movement edit

When travelling slowly, hopping mice move on all fours, however they hop on the hind feet when travelling at speed.[4][8] Individuals can disperse over large distances to colonise isolated habitats, crossing areas of hard unsuitable substrate.[22] Foraging distances are up to 400m per night, extending up to 1.5 km over three nights.[22][26] Individuals inhabiting degraded habitats with limited vegetation and food resources show lower mobility, whereas those inhabiting highly diverse habitats with a wide variety of resources have wider ranging movement patterns.[26]

Threats edit

Predation edit

 
Feral cats (Felis catus) target small mammals as prey, such as native rodents. Photo: Megan Moppett.

Introduced predators such as the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)[28] and feral cat (Felis catus) have detrimental impacts on dusky hopping mouse populations.[23][29] Where cat and fox abundance is high, dusky hopping mouse populations decline.[28][29][30] Cats target smaller prey such as rodents, which can make up a large proportion of their diet.[31] Native species, such as the barn owl (Tyto alba), frequently consume this species,[23][32] as does the dingo.[23][33] Dingoes may de-populate localised populations of hopping mice within months,[34] particularly under drought conditions.[33] Crest-tailed mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) have also been recorded eating this species.[35]

Habitat degradation edit

Livestock, kangaroos and rabbits overgraze vegetation required for shelter and food sources,[20] leading to scalding, wind and sheet erosion and a shift from perennial, to less productive ephemeral plant species.[14][26] Livestock also damage habitats by trampling.[31][36] Reduced food availability limits hopping mice abundance, and the availability of suitable habitat limits their distribution.[14][26] However, higher annual rainfall and more productive ecosystems may buffer the effects of livestock, by providing more dependable and abundant resources, allowing mice to proliferate.[14][33]

 
Sub-adult Dusky Hopping Mouse (Notomys fuscus). Photo: Katherine Moseby.

Competition edit

Competition for food and habitat occurs with the house mouse (Mus musculus),[22] which increase in abundance more rapidly under favourable conditions, depleting resources and outcompeting the native mice.[14] The rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) also competes with dusky hopping mice for food. Declines in rabbit abundance, and increased resources, following the release of the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) in Australia in 1995, saw the dusky hopping mouse increased their extent of occurrence by 241 to 365% over 14 years.[37]

Climate Change edit

This species experiences natural population declines during dry periods, when food resources are limited, and increase strongly following rainfall events.[26][33] Decreases in rainfall, less frequent rainfall events and more frequent droughts under climate change may cause declines or extinctions.[19][22] Predation of hopping mice by dingoes intensifies under drought conditions, which may significantly impact populations.[33]

Conservation status edit

 
Dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus) in the Strzelecki Desert. Photo: Sue Rodwell.

The total remaining population is estimated to be between 2,500 and 10,000 individuals.[2][14]

  • International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Vulnerable[22]
  • Australia: Vulnerable (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)[2][19]
  • New South Wales: Endangered (Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 No 63)[38]
  • South Australia: Vulnerable (National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972)[39]
  • Queensland: Endangered (Nature Conservation Act 1992)[40][41]
  • Northern Territory: Endangered (Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000)[17][42]

References edit

  1. ^ Woinarski, J.; Burbidge, A.A. (2016). "Notomys fuscus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T14863A22401596. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T14863A22401596.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Species Profile and Threats Database. Notomys fuscus - Dusky Hopping-mouse, Wilkinti". Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. 16 July 2000. from the original on 2009-11-12. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  3. ^ a b South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board (16 June 2021). Biodiversity Studies. Wikinti (Dusky Hopping Mouse) and Ooarri (Fawn Hopping Mouse) Student Fact Sheet. South Australia: South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board. pp. 1–2.
  4. ^ a b c d e Breed, B. and Ford, F. (2007). Native Mice and Rats. Collingwood, Victoria: CSIRO Publishing. pp. 3–5.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Jackson, S. and Groves, C. (2015). Taxonomy of Australian Mammals. Clayton South, Victoria: CSIRO Publishing. pp. 199–200.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Dickman, C R., and Robin, L. (2014). "Putting science in its place: the role of Sandringham Station in fostering arid zone science in Australia". Historical Records of Australian Science. 25 (2): 186–201. doi:10.1071/HR14014.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2011). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia, Third Edition. South Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press. pp. 184–185.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ a b c d e Watts, C. H. S., and Kemper, C. M. (1987). "Muridae". In D. W. Walton and G. R. Dyne (ed.). Fauna of Australia. Volume 1B. Mammalia. Victoria: CSIRO Publishing.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ a b Watts, C. H. S. (1975). "The neck and chest glands of the Australian hopping-mice, Notomys". Australian Journal of Zoology. 23 (2): 151–157. doi:10.1071/ZO9750151.
  10. ^ a b c d Breed, B. (2014). "Australia's other mammals: The mice and rats". Wildlife Australia. 51 (2): 10–14.
  11. ^ Morrissey, B. L., and Breed, W. G. (1982). "Variation in external morphology of the glans penis of Australian native rodents". Australian Journal of Zoology. 30 (4): 495–502. doi:10.1071/ZO9820495.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ Breed, W. G. (1986). "Comparative morphology and evolution of the male reproductive tract in the Australian hydromyine rodents (Muridae)". Journal of Zoology. 209 (4): 607–629. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1986.tb03615.x.
  13. ^ a b Breed, W. G., Ding, X., Tuke, J., and Leigh, C. M. (2020). "Morphological diversity of the spermatozoon and male reproductive tract in Australian Hopping mice, genus Notomys–is it determined by sexual selection?". Journal of Zoology. 311 (3): 194–203. doi:10.1111/jzo.12779. S2CID 216251471.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Moseby, K. E., Brandle, R., and Adams, M. (1999). "Distribution, habitat and conservation status of the rare dusky hopping-mouse, Notomys fuscus (Rodentia: Muridae)". Wildlife Research. 26 (4): 479–494. doi:10.1071/WR97061.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ a b c Robinson, A. C., Kemper, C. M., Medlin, G. C. and Watts, C. H. S. (2000). "The rodents of South Australia". Wildlife Research. 27 (4): 379–404. doi:10.1071/WR97044.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ Cole, J. R. and Woinarski, J. C. Z. (2000). "Rodents of the arid Northern Territory: conservation status and distribution". Wildlife Research. 27 (4): 437–449. doi:10.1071/WR97053.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ a b Pavey, C. (2006). "Threatened Species of the Northern Territory. Dusky Hopping-Mouse, Notomys fuscus" (PDF). Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security. (PDF) from the original on 2021-04-22. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
  18. ^ a b Adam, P. (2004). "Dusky hopping-mouse (Notomys fuscus) – endangered species listing". Threatened Species Scientific Committee. from the original on 2021-06-24. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  19. ^ a b c Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (2008). "Approved Conservation Advice for Notomys fuscus (Dusky Hopping-mouse)" (PDF). Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. (PDF) from the original on 2011-06-05. Retrieved 16 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ a b c d e f g Office of Environment and Heritage (2017). "Dusky Hopping-mouse – profile". Office of Environment and Heritage. from the original on 2015-06-27. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  21. ^ a b Val, J., Mazzer, T., and Shelly, D. (2012). "A new record of the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus) in New South Wales". Australian Mammalogy. 34 (2): 257–259. doi:10.1071/AM11031.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Woinarski, J and Burbidge, A. A. (2016). "Notomys fuscus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T14863A22401596". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T14863A22401596.en. Retrieved 16 June 2021.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  23. ^ a b c d Morris, T., Gordon, C. E., & Letnic, M. (2015). "Divergent foraging behaviour of a desert rodent, Notomys fuscus, in covered and open microhabitats revealed using giving up densities and video analysis". Australian Mammalogy. 37 (1): 46–50. doi:10.1071/AM14030.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ a b Murray, B. R., Dickman, C. R., Watts, C. H. S., & Morton, S. R. (1999). "The dietary ecology of Australian desert rodents". Wildlife Research. 26 (4): 421–437. doi:10.1071/WR97046.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ a b c Aslin, H. J. and Watts, C. H. S. (1980). "Breeding of a captive colony of Notomys fuscus Wood Jones (Rodentia: Muridae)". Australian Wildlife Research. 7 (3): 379–383. doi:10.1071/WR9800379.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ a b c d e f Moseby, K. E., Owens, H., Brandle, R., Bice, J. K., and Gates, J. (2006). "Variation in population dynamics and movement patterns between two geographically isolated populations of the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus)". Wildlife Research. 33 (3): 223–232. doi:10.1071/WR05034.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ Waudby, H. P., and How, T. (2008). "An additional record of the dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus in South Australia". Australian Mammalogy. 30 (1): 47–50. doi:10.1071/AM08006.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ a b Letnic, M., Crowther, M. S., and Koch, F. (2009). "Does a top-predator provide an endangered rodent with refuge from an invasive mesopredator?". Animal Conservation. 12 (4): 302–312. Bibcode:2009AnCon..12..302L. doi:10.1111/j.1469-1795.2009.00250.x.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ a b Gordon, C. E., and Letnic, M. (2016). "Functional extinction of a desert rodent: implications for seed fate and vegetation dynamics". Ecography. 39 (9): 815–824. Bibcode:2016Ecogr..39..815G. doi:10.1111/ecog.01648. hdl:1959.4/unsworks_36337.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ Letnic, M., & Koch, F. (2010). "Are dingoes a trophic regulator in arid Australia? A comparison of mammal communities on either side of the dingo fence". Austral Ecology. 35 (2): 167–175. Bibcode:2010AusEc..35..167L. doi:10.1111/j.1442-9993.2009.02022.x.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  31. ^ a b Vernes, K., Jackson, S. M., Elliott, T. F., Tischler, M., and Harper, A. (2021). "Diets of mammalian carnivores in the deserts of north-eastern South Australia". Journal of Arid Environments. 188: 104377. Bibcode:2021JArEn.188j4377V. doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2020.104377. ISSN 0140-1963. S2CID 228861284.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ McDowell, M. C., and Medlin, G. C. (2009). "The effects of drought on prey selection of the barn owl (Tyto alba) in the Strzelecki Regional Reserve, north-eastern South Australia". Australian Mammalogy. 31 (1): 47–55. doi:10.1071/AM08115.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ a b c d e Allen, B. L., Fawcett, A., Anker, A., Engeman, R. M., Lisle, A., and Leung, L. K. P (2018). "Environmental effects are stronger than human effects on mammalian predator-prey relationships in arid Australian ecosystems". Science of the Total Environment. 610: 451–461. Bibcode:2018ScTEn.610..451A. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.051. PMID 28818660. S2CID 26955593.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ Allen, B. L., and Leung, L. K. P. (2012). "Assessing predation risk to threatened fauna from their prevalence in predator scats: dingoes and rodents in arid Australia". PLOS ONE. 7 (5): e36426. Bibcode:2012PLoSO...736426A. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0036426. PMC 3341367. PMID 22563498.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  35. ^ Contos, P. and Letnic, M. (2020). "Diet of the crest-tailed mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) in the Strzelecki Desert". Australian Mammalogy. 42 (2): 211–215. doi:10.1071/AM19003. S2CID 202861177.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  36. ^ Vernes, K., Elliott, T. F., & Jackson, S. M. (2021). "150 years of mammal extinction and invasion at Koonchera Dune in the Lake Eyre Basin of South Australia". Biological Invasions. 23 (2): 593–610. Bibcode:2021BiInv..23..593V. doi:10.1007/s10530-020-02387-2. S2CID 226344657.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ Pedler, R. D., Brandle, R., Read, J. L., Southgate, R., Bird, P., and Moseby, K. E. (2016). "Rabbit biocontrol and landscape-scale recovery of threatened desert mammals". Conservation Biology. 30 (4): 774–782. Bibcode:2016ConBi..30..774P. doi:10.1111/cobi.12684. PMID 26852773. S2CID 3738625.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  38. ^ NSW Government (2016). "Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 No 63". NSW Government. from the original on 2021-06-13. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  39. ^ Government of South Australia. (2021). "South Australia National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (Version 19.3.2021)" (PDF). Government of South Australia. (PDF) from the original on 2018-01-14. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  40. ^ Queensland Government (23 October 2019). "Species profile – Notomys fuscus (dusky hopping mouse)". Queensland Government. from the original on 2021-03-15. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  41. ^ Queensland Government (2021). "Nature Conservation Act 1992". Queensland Government. from the original on 2018-02-26. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  42. ^ Northern Territory Government. (2021). "Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976". Northern Territory Government. from the original on 2020-04-14. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Notomys fuscus.

January 01, 1970
dusky, hopping, mouse, dusky, hopping, mouse, notomys, fuscus, small, rodent, endemic, australia, inhabiting, desert, regions, characterised, sand, dunes, populations, have, experienced, significant, declines, since, arrival, europeans, continue, subject, thre. The dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus 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 2 Dusky hopping mouse Dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus Photo Mike Letnic Conservation status Vulnerable IUCN 3 1 1 Scientific classification Domain Eukaryota Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Rodentia Family Muridae Genus Notomys Species N fuscus Binomial name Notomys fuscusJones 1925 Current distribution of the dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus Image IUCN Red List Contents 1 Taxonomy 2 Description 3 Distribution 4 Ecology 4 1 Habitat 4 2 Behaviour 4 3 Life cycle and reproduction 4 4 Dispersal and movement 5 Threats 5 1 Predation 5 2 Habitat degradation 5 3 Competition 5 4 Climate Change 6 Conservation status 7 ReferencesTaxonomy edit nbsp Adult dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus Photo Katherine Moseby The dusky hopping mouse or Wilkinti 2 3 is a mammal in the order Rodentia and suborder Sciurognathi The species is in the family Muridae and the subfamily Murinae includes all Australian native rats and mice The dusky hopping mouse belongs to the genus Notomys a group of desert dwelling rodents 4 The species was originally described as Ascopharynx fuscus Wood Jones 1925 from a specimen collected in South Australia Subsequent collections were described as Notomys fuscus eyreius in 1960 5 Hopping mice collected in Queensland between 1957 and 1959 were described as a new species Notomys filmeri however later taxonomic investigation revealed these were Notomys fuscus 6 Description edit nbsp Specimen of dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus showing throat pouch Image Queensland Museum The dusky hopping mouse has pale orange brown upper parts occasionally with grey tinged streaks The under parts are grey white 7 It grows to 80 115 mm long 7 with an average weight of 35 g 4 7 The tail is between 120 and 155 mm long 7 ending in a tuft of dark hairs 2 8 They have a well developed throat pouch with an opening surrounded by a fleshy margin with inward pointing coarse white hairs 7 9 Its ears are large and furless for dissipating heat and they have prominent dark eyes 2 10 and strong incisor teeth 8 10 It has short front legs and long elongated hind feet 2 8 with only three pads on the sole 7 Male reproductive anatomy is distinctive 4 The glans is small and tapered towards the tip The surface has large dorsally projecting spines with slightly curved tips 11 The testes are extremely small compared to other native rodents 12 13 Females have two pairs of inguinal teats 7 8 Distribution edit nbsp Sub adult dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus Photo Katherine Moseby The species historically inhabited large areas of central Australia south west Queensland and far west South Australia 14 and Western Australia 15 Sub fossil specimens were found in far south South Australia near the Flinders Ranges 14 Populations were recorded in the Northern Territory however have not been observed since 1939 16 17 It is highly likely to have occurred in western New South Wales 18 Distribution has shown a marked decline of more than 90 since the arrival of Europeans 14 with populations now patchy and highly fragmented 2 14 It is currently thought to be restricted to the Cobblers Sandhills and Strzelecki Desert in north east South Australia 14 15 south west Queensland and far north west New South Wales 7 19 The species was presumed to be extinct in New South Wales before being re discovered in Sturt National Park in 2003 18 20 Since then a number of sightings have been recorded near Broken Hill New South Wales 20 21 Ecology editHabitat edit nbsp The Strzelecki Desert contains habitats preferred by the dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus Photo Mike Letnic The preferred habitat of the dusky hopping mouse is the crests and slopes of stabilised desert sand dunes and ridges 15 20 with sand required for digging burrows 22 Dense populations tend to occur only within the vicinity of major drainage systems 14 It does not appear to favour a particular vegetation type occurring in dunes well vegetated by canegrass Zygochloa paradoxa as well as degraded ecosystems dominated by ephemeral herbaceous species 14 It has also been associated with perennial shrub species such as nitre bush Nitraria billardierei and Acacia species 20 Behaviour editThe dusky hopping mouse is a social species 7 living in colonies of up to five individuals 20 22 2 They live in burrows consisting of vertical shafts with a series of entrances approximately 3 cm in diameter 7 2 leading to a network of horizontal tunnels and chambers 3 4 extending up to 2m deep 22 Notomys species dig their burrows from below resulting in an absence of loose sand surrounding the entrance holes 10 This species prefers to forage at night in sheltered microhabitats rather than open areas to avoid the risk of predation 23 It is an opportunistic 14 omnivorous feeder however is considered a granivore 74 of the diet 24 Green plant material insects 24 and fruits are also eaten 14 It does not need to drink water 2 20 The neck throat pouch is a glandular area used for marking territories Females may scent mark their young ensuring they acquire a smell that grants them acceptance within the colony 9 nbsp Dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus tracks in the sand Photo Mike Letnic Life cycle and reproduction edit In the wild lifespan has been recorded as being up to 13 months of age 22 In captivity males and females reach reproductive maturity at 70 days of age 25 This species is likely monogamous and females may display selectivity in choosing which males will sire offspring 10 13 Breeding is non seasonal occurring year round in both wet and dry conditions 14 25 Females are observed to be polyoestrous with a gestation period of 32 to 38 days and a litter size of one to five offspring An average of 42 days occurs between litters and the maximum reproductive life for females is approximately 24 months and males 36 months 25 Subpopulations may persist at low but stable numbers however others exhibit boom and bust variation with numbers increasing and decreasing rapidly in response to rainfall and resource availability 21 22 26 27 Dispersal and movement edit When travelling slowly hopping mice move on all fours however they hop on the hind feet when travelling at speed 4 8 Individuals can disperse over large distances to colonise isolated habitats crossing areas of hard unsuitable substrate 22 Foraging distances are up to 400m per night extending up to 1 5 km over three nights 22 26 Individuals inhabiting degraded habitats with limited vegetation and food resources show lower mobility whereas those inhabiting highly diverse habitats with a wide variety of resources have wider ranging movement patterns 26 Threats editPredation edit nbsp Feral cats Felis catus target small mammals as prey such as native rodents Photo Megan Moppett Introduced predators such as the red fox Vulpes vulpes 28 and feral cat Felis catus have detrimental impacts on dusky hopping mouse populations 23 29 Where cat and fox abundance is high dusky hopping mouse populations decline 28 29 30 Cats target smaller prey such as rodents which can make up a large proportion of their diet 31 Native species such as the barn owl Tyto alba frequently consume this species 23 32 as does the dingo 23 33 Dingoes may de populate localised populations of hopping mice within months 34 particularly under drought conditions 33 Crest tailed mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda have also been recorded eating this species 35 Habitat degradation edit Livestock kangaroos and rabbits overgraze vegetation required for shelter and food sources 20 leading to scalding wind and sheet erosion and a shift from perennial to less productive ephemeral plant species 14 26 Livestock also damage habitats by trampling 31 36 Reduced food availability limits hopping mice abundance and the availability of suitable habitat limits their distribution 14 26 However higher annual rainfall and more productive ecosystems may buffer the effects of livestock by providing more dependable and abundant resources allowing mice to proliferate 14 33 nbsp Sub adult Dusky Hopping Mouse Notomys fuscus Photo Katherine Moseby Competition edit Competition for food and habitat occurs with the house mouse Mus musculus 22 which increase in abundance more rapidly under favourable conditions depleting resources and outcompeting the native mice 14 The rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus also competes with dusky hopping mice for food Declines in rabbit abundance and increased resources following the release of the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus RHDV in Australia in 1995 saw the dusky hopping mouse increased their extent of occurrence by 241 to 365 over 14 years 37 Climate Change edit This species experiences natural population declines during dry periods when food resources are limited and increase strongly following rainfall events 26 33 Decreases in rainfall less frequent rainfall events and more frequent droughts under climate change may cause declines or extinctions 19 22 Predation of hopping mice by dingoes intensifies under drought conditions which may significantly impact populations 33 Conservation status edit nbsp Dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus in the Strzelecki Desert Photo Sue Rodwell The total remaining population is estimated to be between 2 500 and 10 000 individuals 2 14 International Union for the Conservation of Nature IUCN Red List Vulnerable 22 Australia Vulnerable Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 2 19 New South Wales Endangered Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 No 63 38 South Australia Vulnerable National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 39 Queensland Endangered Nature Conservation Act 1992 40 41 Northern Territory Endangered Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000 17 42 References edit Woinarski J Burbidge A A 2016 Notomys fuscus IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 e T14863A22401596 doi 10 2305 IUCN UK 2016 2 RLTS T14863A22401596 en Retrieved 19 November 2021 a b c d e f g h i j k Species Profile and Threats Database Notomys fuscus Dusky Hopping mouse Wilkinti Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment 16 July 2000 Archived from the original on 2009 11 12 Retrieved 16 June 2021 a b South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board 16 June 2021 Biodiversity Studies Wikinti Dusky Hopping Mouse and Ooarri Fawn Hopping Mouse Student Fact Sheet South Australia South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board pp 1 2 a b c d e Breed B and Ford F 2007 Native Mice and Rats Collingwood Victoria CSIRO Publishing pp 3 5 a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Jackson S and Groves C 2015 Taxonomy of Australian Mammals Clayton South Victoria CSIRO Publishing pp 199 200 a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Dickman C R and Robin L 2014 Putting science in its place the role of Sandringham Station in fostering arid zone science in Australia Historical Records of Australian Science 25 2 186 201 doi 10 1071 HR14014 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b c d e f g h i j Menkhorst P and Knight F 2011 A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia Third Edition South Melbourne Victoria Oxford University Press pp 184 185 a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b c d e Watts C H S and Kemper C M 1987 Muridae In D W Walton and G R Dyne ed Fauna of Australia Volume 1B Mammalia Victoria CSIRO Publishing a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b Watts C H S 1975 The neck and chest glands of the Australian hopping mice Notomys Australian Journal of Zoology 23 2 151 157 doi 10 1071 ZO9750151 a b c d Breed B 2014 Australia s other mammals The mice and rats Wildlife Australia 51 2 10 14 Morrissey B L and Breed W G 1982 Variation in external morphology of the glans penis of Australian native rodents Australian Journal of Zoology 30 4 495 502 doi 10 1071 ZO9820495 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Breed W G 1986 Comparative morphology and evolution of the male reproductive tract in the Australian hydromyine rodents Muridae Journal of Zoology 209 4 607 629 doi 10 1111 j 1469 7998 1986 tb03615 x a b Breed W G Ding X Tuke J and Leigh C M 2020 Morphological diversity of the spermatozoon and male reproductive tract in Australian Hopping mice genus Notomys is it determined by sexual selection Journal of Zoology 311 3 194 203 doi 10 1111 jzo 12779 S2CID 216251471 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Moseby K E Brandle R and Adams M 1999 Distribution habitat and conservation status of the rare dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus Rodentia Muridae Wildlife Research 26 4 479 494 doi 10 1071 WR97061 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b c Robinson A C Kemper C M Medlin G C and Watts C H S 2000 The rodents of South Australia Wildlife Research 27 4 379 404 doi 10 1071 WR97044 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Cole J R and Woinarski J C Z 2000 Rodents of the arid Northern Territory conservation status and distribution Wildlife Research 27 4 437 449 doi 10 1071 WR97053 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b Pavey C 2006 Threatened Species of the Northern Territory Dusky Hopping Mouse Notomys fuscus PDF Department of Environment Parks and Water Security Archived PDF from the original on 2021 04 22 Retrieved 16 June 2016 a b Adam P 2004 Dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus endangered species listing Threatened Species Scientific Committee Archived from the original on 2021 06 24 Retrieved 16 June 2021 a b c Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2008 Approved Conservation Advice for Notomys fuscus Dusky Hopping mouse PDF Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment Archived PDF from the original on 2011 06 05 Retrieved 16 June 2021 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b c d e f g Office of Environment and Heritage 2017 Dusky Hopping mouse profile Office of Environment and Heritage Archived from the original on 2015 06 27 Retrieved 16 June 2021 a b Val J Mazzer T and Shelly D 2012 A new record of the dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus in New South Wales Australian Mammalogy 34 2 257 259 doi 10 1071 AM11031 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b c d e f g h i j Woinarski J and Burbidge A A 2016 Notomys fuscus The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 e T14863A22401596 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 doi 10 2305 IUCN UK 2016 2 RLTS T14863A22401596 en Retrieved 16 June 2021 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b c d Morris T Gordon C E amp Letnic M 2015 Divergent foraging behaviour of a desert rodent Notomys fuscus in covered and open microhabitats revealed using giving up densities and video analysis Australian Mammalogy 37 1 46 50 doi 10 1071 AM14030 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b Murray B R Dickman C R Watts C H S amp Morton S R 1999 The dietary ecology of Australian desert rodents Wildlife Research 26 4 421 437 doi 10 1071 WR97046 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b c Aslin H J and Watts C H S 1980 Breeding of a captive colony of Notomys fuscus Wood Jones Rodentia Muridae Australian Wildlife Research 7 3 379 383 doi 10 1071 WR9800379 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b c d e f Moseby K E Owens H Brandle R Bice J K and Gates J 2006 Variation in population dynamics and movement patterns between two geographically isolated populations of the dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus Wildlife Research 33 3 223 232 doi 10 1071 WR05034 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Waudby H P and How T 2008 An additional record of the dusky hopping mouse Notomys fuscus in South Australia Australian Mammalogy 30 1 47 50 doi 10 1071 AM08006 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b Letnic M Crowther M S and Koch F 2009 Does a top predator provide an endangered rodent with refuge from an invasive mesopredator Animal Conservation 12 4 302 312 Bibcode 2009AnCon 12 302L doi 10 1111 j 1469 1795 2009 00250 x a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b Gordon C E and Letnic M 2016 Functional extinction of a desert rodent implications for seed fate and vegetation dynamics Ecography 39 9 815 824 Bibcode 2016Ecogr 39 815G doi 10 1111 ecog 01648 hdl 1959 4 unsworks 36337 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Letnic M amp Koch F 2010 Are dingoes a trophic regulator in arid Australia A comparison of mammal communities on either side of the dingo fence Austral Ecology 35 2 167 175 Bibcode 2010AusEc 35 167L doi 10 1111 j 1442 9993 2009 02022 x a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b Vernes K Jackson S M Elliott T F Tischler M and Harper A 2021 Diets of mammalian carnivores in the deserts of north eastern South Australia Journal of Arid Environments 188 104377 Bibcode 2021JArEn 188j4377V doi 10 1016 j jaridenv 2020 104377 ISSN 0140 1963 S2CID 228861284 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link McDowell M C and Medlin G C 2009 The effects of drought on prey selection of the barn owl Tyto alba in the Strzelecki Regional Reserve north eastern South Australia Australian Mammalogy 31 1 47 55 doi 10 1071 AM08115 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link a b c d e Allen B L Fawcett A Anker A Engeman R M Lisle A and Leung L K P 2018 Environmental effects are stronger than human effects on mammalian predator prey relationships in arid Australian ecosystems Science of the Total Environment 610 451 461 Bibcode 2018ScTEn 610 451A doi 10 1016 j scitotenv 2017 08 051 PMID 28818660 S2CID 26955593 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Allen B L and Leung L K P 2012 Assessing predation risk to threatened fauna from their prevalence in predator scats dingoes and rodents in arid Australia PLOS ONE 7 5 e36426 Bibcode 2012PLoSO 736426A doi 10 1371 journal pone 0036426 PMC 3341367 PMID 22563498 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Contos P and Letnic M 2020 Diet of the crest tailed mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda in the Strzelecki Desert Australian Mammalogy 42 2 211 215 doi 10 1071 AM19003 S2CID 202861177 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Vernes K Elliott T F amp Jackson S M 2021 150 years of mammal extinction and invasion at Koonchera Dune in the Lake Eyre Basin of South Australia Biological Invasions 23 2 593 610 Bibcode 2021BiInv 23 593V doi 10 1007 s10530 020 02387 2 S2CID 226344657 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Pedler R D Brandle R Read J L Southgate R Bird P and Moseby K E 2016 Rabbit biocontrol and landscape scale recovery of threatened desert mammals Conservation Biology 30 4 774 782 Bibcode 2016ConBi 30 774P doi 10 1111 cobi 12684 PMID 26852773 S2CID 3738625 a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link NSW Government 2016 Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 No 63 NSW Government Archived from the original on 2021 06 13 Retrieved 16 June 2021 Government of South Australia 2021 South Australia National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 Version 19 3 2021 PDF Government of South Australia Archived PDF from the original on 2018 01 14 Retrieved 16 June 2021 Queensland Government 23 October 2019 Species profile Notomys fuscus dusky hopping mouse Queensland Government Archived from the original on 2021 03 15 Retrieved 16 June 2021 Queensland Government 2021 Nature Conservation Act 1992 Queensland Government Archived from the original on 2018 02 26 Retrieved 16 June 2021 Northern Territory Government 2021 Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976 Northern Territory Government Archived from the original on 2020 04 14 Retrieved 16 June 2021 nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Notomys fuscus Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Dusky hopping mouse amp oldid 1223594487, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.