Xeromys myoides, also known as the water mouse, marine mouse, mangrove mouse, false water rat, manngay and yirrkoo,[4][5] is a species of rodent native to waterways of Australia and Papua New Guinea.
A description of the species was published by Oldfield Thomas in 1889, establishing a new genus Xeromys; recognition as a monotypic genus has been maintained by later authorities.[3][6] Thomas recognised an affinity with the species Hydromys chrysogaster, the water-rat found in Australia and New Guinea.[3]
A current name used to refer to the species is water mouse.[7] A common name of this species has long been false water-rat, although other names predate these. In 1995 the Australian Nature Conservation Agency released a document in which were recorded two indigenous names for H. chrysogaster, the Murrinh-Patha name manngay and the Mayali and Kunwinjku name yirrku (official Kunwinjku orthography yirrkku[8]). They recommended that the latter name be adopted as the common name, but with the orthography yirrkoo.[9] However, this recommendation was not prescriptive, and it remains to be seen to what extent it will be adopted.[citation needed]
Description
False water rats have markedly long, flattened heads with small eyes and short, rounded ears that are 10 to 14 millimetres in length.[7] These rats possess just two molars on each side of the upper and lower jaw. Their upper incisors are yellow or orange and the lower incisors are white.[10][11] The head and body length is approximately 100 mm and characterised by a hunched body shape,[11] the recorded size range is from 85 to 120 mm.[7] The tail length is 85–100 mm and the hind-foot length is 23–26 mm.[10][11] The body fur is water-resistant and dark gray, which gradually blends into the white underside,[10][11] the hair is short and lustrous.[7] The hands and feet are covered with fine, white hairs.[11] Their feet are not webbed like other water rats (Hydromys chrysogaster), which gives them their common name "false" water rat.[12] The tail is sparsely haired and lacks the white tip found in the more common water rat.[11] In addition, the tails of these rats are scaled.[10][11] The average weight is 42 grams, and may vary from 35 to 55 g. This murid species has a total of four teats, two pairs at the inguinal region. They exude a strong musky odour. [7]
X. myoides resembles no other species found within its habitat.[7]
Distribution and habitat
The false water rat (Xeromys myoides) lives in Australia and Papua New Guinea.[10] Once believed to be restricted to Southeast Queensland and the Northern Territory, the false water rat has subsequently been found in the central and southern parts of Queensland, North Stradbroke Island off the coast of Southeast Queensland, Melville Island,[10] and southwest Western Province, Papua New Guinea.[11][13]
False water rats primarily live in mangrove communities and shallow areas surrounding lagoons, swamps, and lakes.[12] The water may be saline or fresh.[7] Their nests are made at the base of mangrove trees. Their nests are very similar to termite mounds. They are made of leaves, mud, and may be as high as 60 centimetres.[14] There is usually one opening and on the inside it is a complex system of tunnels which connects to multiple chambers. Since the tunnels are very complex sometimes the homes can overlap.[12] This behaviour shows that they are social and very friendly. Because of their lack of webbed feet and their inability to swim, their nests are generally built near shallow water.[14] This allows them to wade in water instead of swimming and diving in search of their food.
Diet
False water rats appear to depend on mangrove and intertidal salt marsh habitats for food.[11] Their diet consists of invertebrates such as crabs, small mud lobsters, marine shellfish, snails and worms. They generally eat during the night and rest during the day.[10] Their estimated home range used for foraging is 0.8 ha for males and 0.6 ha for females; however they can travel for up to 2.9 km each night.[10][11]
Life cycle and reproduction
Little is known about the life cycle and breeding patterns of this species.[10] Since their food and nutrients are generally found amongst the mangroves, the lifespan of the false water rat is highly dependent upon the preservation of the mangrove forest.[14][15] It is believed that they breed throughout the year with only two young per litter.[10][11] Up to eight individuals of various ages (young and old) and either sex live in a nest, with usually only one sexually active adult male present and several females.[10][11]
Predators and threats
Human impact
The loss, degradation, and fragmentation of their inter-tidal wetland communities is most significant. Due to human activity, their habitat is severely fragmented and less than 2,000 km.[16] Urban expansion in Queensland resulted in some wetland habitats being cleared or modified.[17] The quality of their habitat and area of occupancy continue to decline primarily due to the development of mangrove areas. Increasing development creates oil pollution, wastewater and acid sulphate contamination, alteration of natural hydrology, and increasing infections from chemicals and waste.[12] The destruction of their habitat as a result of water quality changes due to agriculture, livestock grazing, urbanisation, and swamp drainage.[16] Due to these circumstances, they are classified as vulnerable.[12]
Physical
Natural fluctuations in sea level result in altered patterns of vegetation zones between saltmarsh, mangrove and terrestrial communities. Floodplain wetlands in northern Australia are susceptible to rising sea level due to climate change.[17]
Biological
There are several predators to the false water rat including foxes, cats, carpet pythons, rough-scaled snakes, tawny frogmouths, and pigs.[12] Degradation of habitat from hard-hoofed animals (e.g. pigs) and competition for food resources directly impact the water mouse.[17]
Protection
False water rats do not appear to negatively affect man or the human economy and they have no known positive economic importance for man other than playing a role in maintaining the ecological stability of the marine population they feed on, indirectly affecting local marine-related industries and the land.[16] Through the years, man has been careless with the release of pollutants and other waste products thereby causing a decrease in the habitat for these animals. Paying particular attention, creating, promoting and maintaining environmentally safe processes surrounding excavation and construction, garbage and waste products elimination, chemicals and extracts usage, as well natural and unnatural predators will increase the survival chances of the false water rat. In addition, conservation of the wetlands and mangroves will not only prevent extinction of the false water rat and other animals but it will protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods and absorb natural pollutants and provide habitat for animals and plants.[14]
References
^Woinarski, J.; Burbidge, A.A. (2016). "Xeromys myoides". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T23141A22454469. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T23141A22454469.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
^"Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
^ abcThomas, O. (1889). "Description of a new genus of Muridae allied to Hydromys". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1889: 247–250.
^"WATER MOUSE | Wildlife Preservation Society Queensland". Retrieved 9 January 2021.
^"Water Mouse (False Water Rat/Mangrove Mouse) | Central QLD Coast Landcare Network". cqclandcarenetwork.org.au. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
^Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M., eds. (2005). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
^Garde, Murray. "yirrkku". Bininj Kunwok Online Dictionary. Bininj Kunwok Regional Language Centre. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
^Braithwaite R. W.; et al. (1995). Australian names for Australian rodents. Australian Nature Conservation Agency. ISBN0-642-21373-9.
^ abcdefghijk. 4 November 2008. Archived from the original on 11 December 2008.
^ abcdefghijkl"Water Mouse (False Water Rat)". Queensland Government Environmental Protection Agency. 4 November 2008.[permanent dead link]
^ abcdef"Water mouse (or false water-rat) Xeromys myoides" (PDF). Queensland Government Environmental Protection Agency.[permanent dead link]
^Hitchcock, G. (1998). "First record of the False Water Rat, Xeromys myoides (Rodentia: Muridae), in New Guinea". Science in New Guinea. 23 (3): 141–144.
^ abcd"False Water Rat, Xeromys myoides". Threatened Species Day Fact Sheet. Australian Government, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts. 2003.[permanent dead link]
^. Australianfauna.com. 4 November 2008. Archived from the original on 26 September 2008.
^ abcSuter, M (2000). "Xeromys myoides (On-line)". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 25 November 2008.
^ abc"National recovery plan for the water mouse (false water rat) Xeromys myoides" (PDF). Retrieved 18 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
External links
Water rat Encyclopædia Britannica 2008
AvidPets.com
Water mouse (or false water-rat) Xeromys myoides[permanent dead link] Queensland Government, Environmental Protection Agency
False Water Rat, Xeromys myoides, Threatened Species Day Fact Sheet 2003[permanent dead link] Australian Government, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts
Australianfauna.com
Animal Diversity Web
March 04, 2023
xeromys, myoides, also, known, water, mouse, marine, mouse, mangrove, mouse, false, water, manngay, yirrkoo, species, rodent, native, waterways, australia, papua, guinea, temporal, range, recent, preꞒ, conservation, statusvulnerable, iucn, cites, appendix, cit. Xeromys myoides also known as the water mouse marine mouse mangrove mouse false water rat manngay and yirrkoo 4 5 is a species of rodent native to waterways of Australia and Papua New Guinea Xeromys myoidesTemporal range Recent PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N Conservation statusVulnerable IUCN 3 1 1 CITES Appendix II CITES 2 Scientific classificationKingdom AnimaliaPhylum ChordataClass MammaliaOrder RodentiaFamily MuridaeTribe HydromyiniGenus XeromysThomas 1889Species X myoidesBinomial nameXeromys myoidesThomas 1889 3 Contents 1 Taxonomy 2 Description 3 Distribution and habitat 4 Diet 5 Life cycle and reproduction 6 Predators and threats 6 1 Human impact 6 2 Physical 6 3 Biological 7 Protection 8 References 9 External linksTaxonomy EditA description of the species was published by Oldfield Thomas in 1889 establishing a new genus Xeromys recognition as a monotypic genus has been maintained by later authorities 3 6 Thomas recognised an affinity with the species Hydromys chrysogaster the water rat found in Australia and New Guinea 3 A current name used to refer to the species is water mouse 7 A common name of this species has long been false water rat although other names predate these In 1995 the Australian Nature Conservation Agency released a document in which were recorded two indigenous names for H chrysogaster the Murrinh Patha name manngay and the Mayali and Kunwinjku name yirrku official Kunwinjku orthography yirrkku 8 They recommended that the latter name be adopted as the common name but with the orthography yirrkoo 9 However this recommendation was not prescriptive and it remains to be seen to what extent it will be adopted citation needed Description EditFalse water rats have markedly long flattened heads with small eyes and short rounded ears that are 10 to 14 millimetres in length 7 These rats possess just two molars on each side of the upper and lower jaw Their upper incisors are yellow or orange and the lower incisors are white 10 11 The head and body length is approximately 100 mm and characterised by a hunched body shape 11 the recorded size range is from 85 to 120 mm 7 The tail length is 85 100 mm and the hind foot length is 23 26 mm 10 11 The body fur is water resistant and dark gray which gradually blends into the white underside 10 11 the hair is short and lustrous 7 The hands and feet are covered with fine white hairs 11 Their feet are not webbed like other water rats Hydromys chrysogaster which gives them their common name false water rat 12 The tail is sparsely haired and lacks the white tip found in the more common water rat 11 In addition the tails of these rats are scaled 10 11 The average weight is 42 grams and may vary from 35 to 55 g This murid species has a total of four teats two pairs at the inguinal region They exude a strong musky odour 7 X myoides resembles no other species found within its habitat 7 Distribution and habitat EditThe false water rat Xeromys myoides lives in Australia and Papua New Guinea 10 Once believed to be restricted to Southeast Queensland and the Northern Territory the false water rat has subsequently been found in the central and southern parts of Queensland North Stradbroke Island off the coast of Southeast Queensland Melville Island 10 and southwest Western Province Papua New Guinea 11 13 False water rats primarily live in mangrove communities and shallow areas surrounding lagoons swamps and lakes 12 The water may be saline or fresh 7 Their nests are made at the base of mangrove trees Their nests are very similar to termite mounds They are made of leaves mud and may be as high as 60 centimetres 14 There is usually one opening and on the inside it is a complex system of tunnels which connects to multiple chambers Since the tunnels are very complex sometimes the homes can overlap 12 This behaviour shows that they are social and very friendly Because of their lack of webbed feet and their inability to swim their nests are generally built near shallow water 14 This allows them to wade in water instead of swimming and diving in search of their food Diet EditFalse water rats appear to depend on mangrove and intertidal salt marsh habitats for food 11 Their diet consists of invertebrates such as crabs small mud lobsters marine shellfish snails and worms They generally eat during the night and rest during the day 10 Their estimated home range used for foraging is 0 8 ha for males and 0 6 ha for females however they can travel for up to 2 9 km each night 10 11 Life cycle and reproduction EditLittle is known about the life cycle and breeding patterns of this species 10 Since their food and nutrients are generally found amongst the mangroves the lifespan of the false water rat is highly dependent upon the preservation of the mangrove forest 14 15 It is believed that they breed throughout the year with only two young per litter 10 11 Up to eight individuals of various ages young and old and either sex live in a nest with usually only one sexually active adult male present and several females 10 11 Predators and threats EditHuman impact Edit The loss degradation and fragmentation of their inter tidal wetland communities is most significant Due to human activity their habitat is severely fragmented and less than 2 000 km 16 Urban expansion in Queensland resulted in some wetland habitats being cleared or modified 17 The quality of their habitat and area of occupancy continue to decline primarily due to the development of mangrove areas Increasing development creates oil pollution wastewater and acid sulphate contamination alteration of natural hydrology and increasing infections from chemicals and waste 12 The destruction of their habitat as a result of water quality changes due to agriculture livestock grazing urbanisation and swamp drainage 16 Due to these circumstances they are classified as vulnerable 12 Physical Edit Natural fluctuations in sea level result in altered patterns of vegetation zones between saltmarsh mangrove and terrestrial communities Floodplain wetlands in northern Australia are susceptible to rising sea level due to climate change 17 Biological Edit There are several predators to the false water rat including foxes cats carpet pythons rough scaled snakes tawny frogmouths and pigs 12 Degradation of habitat from hard hoofed animals e g pigs and competition for food resources directly impact the water mouse 17 Protection EditFalse water rats do not appear to negatively affect man or the human economy and they have no known positive economic importance for man other than playing a role in maintaining the ecological stability of the marine population they feed on indirectly affecting local marine related industries and the land 16 Through the years man has been careless with the release of pollutants and other waste products thereby causing a decrease in the habitat for these animals Paying particular attention creating promoting and maintaining environmentally safe processes surrounding excavation and construction garbage and waste products elimination chemicals and extracts usage as well natural and unnatural predators will increase the survival chances of the false water rat In addition conservation of the wetlands and mangroves will not only prevent extinction of the false water rat and other animals but it will protect our shores from wave action reduce the impacts of floods and absorb natural pollutants and provide habitat for animals and plants 14 References Edit Woinarski J Burbidge A A 2016 Xeromys myoides IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 e T23141A22454469 doi 10 2305 IUCN UK 2016 2 RLTS T23141A22454469 en Retrieved 15 November 2021 Appendices CITES cites org Retrieved 14 January 2022 a b c Thomas O 1889 Description of a new genus of Muridae allied to Hydromys Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1889 247 250 WATER MOUSE Wildlife Preservation Society Queensland Retrieved 9 January 2021 Water Mouse False Water Rat Mangrove Mouse Central QLD Coast Landcare Network cqclandcarenetwork org au Retrieved 1 March 2021 Wilson D E Reeder D M eds 2005 Mammal Species of the World A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference 3rd ed Johns Hopkins University Press ISBN 978 0 8018 8221 0 OCLC 62265494 a b c d e f g Menkhorst P W Knight F 2011 A field guide to the mammals of Australia 3rd ed Melbourne Oxford University Press p 162 ISBN 9780195573954 Garde Murray yirrkku Bininj Kunwok Online Dictionary Bininj Kunwok Regional Language Centre Retrieved 9 October 2022 Braithwaite R W et al 1995 Australian names for Australian rodents Australian Nature Conservation Agency ISBN 0 642 21373 9 a b c d e f g h i j k False Water Rat 4 November 2008 Archived from the original on 11 December 2008 a b c d e f g h i j k l Water Mouse False Water Rat Queensland Government Environmental Protection Agency 4 November 2008 permanent dead link a b c d e f Water mouse or false water rat Xeromys myoides PDF Queensland Government Environmental Protection Agency permanent dead link Hitchcock G 1998 First record of the False Water Rat Xeromys myoides Rodentia Muridae in New Guinea Science in New Guinea 23 3 141 144 a b c d False Water Rat Xeromys myoides Threatened Species Day Fact Sheet Australian Government Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2003 permanent dead link False Water Rat Xeromys myoides Australianfauna com 4 November 2008 Archived from the original on 26 September 2008 a b c Suter M 2000 Xeromys myoides On line Animal Diversity Web Retrieved 25 November 2008 a b c National recovery plan for the water mouse false water rat Xeromys myoides PDF Retrieved 18 May 2021 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint url status link External links EditWater rat Encyclopaedia Britannica 2008 False Water Rat AvidPets com Water mouse or false water rat Xeromys myoides permanent dead link Queensland Government Environmental Protection Agency False Water Rat Xeromys myoides Threatened Species Day Fact Sheet 2003 permanent dead link Australian Government Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts False Water Rat Xeromys myoides Australianfauna com Xeromys myoides Animal Diversity Web Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Xeromys myoides amp oldid 1115012495, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
