This recently extinct \Pspecies\p, also known as the White-footed Tree-rat, was mainly \Parboreal\p and nested in a tree-hole. Its diet is unknown. The female had four teats and reared up to three young which fastened themselves firmly to the mother's teats. It was last collected around 1840.
\BPicture:\b \IJ Gould\i
#
"White-Footed Rabbit-Rat Distribution Map",2,"b\2\127.bmp","c","0"
#
"White-Footed Rabbit-Rat Fact File",3,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Conilurus
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Subtropical to Cool temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Wet and dry \Psclerophyll\p forest
This \Pspecies\p is also known as the Brush-tailed Rabbit-rat. Its brush-tipped tail is not diagnostic, being also characteristic of \Pspecies\p of Mesembriomys. It is better recognised by its somewhat rabbit-like ears and head.
It is mainly \Parboreal\p, nesting in a tree-hole or similar shelter: it is known also to forage on the ground but details of its diet are not known.
The age at which sexual maturity is reached is not known. Breeding probably takes place throughout the year with peaks determined by rainfall. The female has four teats and normally rears 1-3 young which are independent at three weeks.
Young attach themselves strongly to the mother's teats and are probably dragged behind her as she moves about.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"Brush-Tailed Rabbit-Rat Distribution Map",5,"b\2\128a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Brush-Tailed Rabbit-Rat Fact File",6,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Conilurus
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b \PMonsoon forest\p to dry \Psclerophyll\p forest and pandanus scrub
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 15-20cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 18-22cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b 300,000-1 million square kilometres
\ILeggadina forresti\i (fo'-res-tee: "Forrest's little-Leggada-like [mouse]", after Sir John Forrest, explorer)
Hardly anything is known of the biology of this widespread and common mouse. It appears to be \Pherbivorous\p, feeding on seeds and green vegetation. It probably does not need access to drinking water. It shelters by day in a burrow.
It is known to breed after winter rains, but may be capable of breeding throughout the year. The female usually rears 3-4 young in a litter.
\BPicture:\b \IR Whitford\i
#
"Forrest's Short-tailed Mouse Distribution Map",8,"b\2\128b.bmp","c","0"
\ILeggadina lakedownensis\i (layk'-down-en'-sis: "Lake[land] Downs little Leggada-like [mouse]", from Lakeland Downs Station, northern Queensland)
Little is known of the biology of this \Pspecies\p: its numbers may perhaps fluctuate greatly in response to the availability of grass seeds and green foods. It probably nests by day in a burrow but this has not been demonstrated.
It is probably capable of breeding throughout the year and to rear a number of litters in rapid succession when food is abundant. Captive females have reared 2-4 young in a litter.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"Lakeland Downs Short-tailed Mouse Distribution Map",11,"b\2\129a.bmp","c","0"
\ILeporillus apicalis\i (ah'-pik-ah-lis: "tipped little-hare", referring to the white-tipped tail)
Little is known of the biology of the recently extinct \Pspecies\p (last collected in 1933) but it was probably similar to that of the Greater Stick-nest Rat.
\BPicture:\b \IAustralian Museum\i
#
"Lesser Stick-nest Rat Distribution Map",14,"b\2\129b.bmp","c","0"
The Greater Stick-nest Rat feeds at night on succulent plants and some grasses. During the day it shelters in a nest within a large structure of branches and leaves (often exceeding two cubic metres) which has been maintained and added to by successive generations.
Ten to twenty individuals may inhabit the stick-nest. Where appropriate sticks and branches are not available, they may dig burrows or utilise burrows made by other animals. The \Pspecies\p has disappeared from the mainland and the only known population is on Franklin Island in the Nuyts Archipelago.
Mating probably occurs from March to June. The female usually rears 1-2 young which attach themselves to the teats and are dragged about by the mother. Young become independent at about four weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IH J Aslin\i
#
"Greater Stick-nest Rat Distribution Map",17,"b\2\130a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Greater Stick-nest Rat Fact File",18,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Leporillus
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Warm temperate to Cool temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Arid woodland or shrubland
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 17-26cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 14-18cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b less than 10,000 square kilometres
This is a stockily built, broad-headed, short-tailed, long-furred rodent of a size equivalent to the lower range of Australian \IRattus\i \Pspecies\p. It is primarily a grass-eater and its broad molars and powerful jaw muscles are an adaptation to this difficult food.
It does not burrow, but makes runways and builds a nest in dense ground vegetation which is often covered by snow in the winter. It is mainly \Pnocturnal\p but may be active during the day in the colder parts of the year, particularly Tasmania.
Sexual maturity is reached at about one year. Mating occurs from September to January in Tasmania and from November to January in the alpine country of New South Wales. The usual litter size is two; young cling firmly to the mother's teats for about three weeks, and are weaned at about 5-6 weeks. Two litters may be reared in a season.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"Broad-toothed Rat Distribution Map",20,"b\2\130b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Broad-toothed Rat Fact File",21,"0","g","0"
\c\u\b\h\b
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Mastacomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Cold, Alpine and Subalpine
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Wet grassland with \Psedges\p and rushes, often near permanent water
\IMesembriomys gouldii\i (gule'-dee-ee: "Gould's southern-mouse", after J. Gould, English naturalist)
The Black-footed Tree-rat is an \Parboreal\p rodent which feeds on fruits, flowers and large seeds, supplemented by insects, snails and even mussels. It is one of the largest of Australian rodents and readily recognised by its shaggy grey-brown hair.
It seems to be mainly \Parboreal\p and nests in tree-holes, but it also spends some time on the ground, even entering the water to feed.
Males are a little larger than females. Sexual maturity is reached at about three months. Most breeding seems to occur from June to August. The female has four teats and rears 1-3 young which cling to the mother's teats and are dragged behind her as she moves about.
The gestation period of a little more than six weeks is unusually long and the young, which are born in a more advanced state than other Australian rodents, are weaned at about six weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IT & C Smith\i
#
"Black-footed Tree-rat Distribution Map",23,"b\2\131a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Black-footed Tree-rat Fact File",24,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Mesembriomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Sclerophyll forest and woodland
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 25-30cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 32-41cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b 300,000-1 million square kilometres
The Golden-backed Tree-rat is similar in general appearance to the Black-footed Tree-rat but has smooth fur and is less than half the weight of this \Pspecies\p. It is mainly \Parboreal\p, feeding on shoots, fruits and nuts and making a nest in a tree hollow.
It also spends time on the ground and, in some areas, forages along the tide-line in search of oysters or stranded fishes. It will enter houses, where it eats food scraps, rice and flour.
The breeding season, if any, is not known. The female has four teats and usually rears 1-2 young.
\BPicture:\b \IW G Breed\i
#
"Golden-backed Tree-rat Distribution Map",26,"b\2\131b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Golden-backed Tree-rat Fact File",27,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Mesembriomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Woodland, \Ptussock\p grassland, pandanus scrub and \Pvine thicket\ps
The Spinifex Hopping-mouse occupies most of the central desert areas of Australia where it feeds on seeds, shoots, roots and insects. It obtains sufficient water from this diet (even from a diet of dry seeds) to have no need for drinking water: this economy is made possible by producing an extremely concentrated urine and very dry faeces.
Water loss is also reduced by the habit of nesting during the day in groups of up to ten individuals in deep, humid burrows.
Sexual maturity is reached at about two-and-a-half months and breeding may occur at any time of the year: the actual times of breeding are probably determined by rainfall. The female has four teats and usually raises 3-4 young, which are weaned at four weeks.
As a contribution to water conservation, the female drinks the urine produced by her suckling young.
\BPicture:\b \IN G Breed\i
#
"Spinifex Hopping Mouse Distribution Map",29,"b\2\132.bmp","c","0"
#
"Spinifex Hopping Mouse Fact File",30,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Notomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Cool temperate to Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Arid spinifex hummock grassland and sand, including desert dunes
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 10-11cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 13-15cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b more than 1 million square kilometres
This recently extinct \Pspecies\p (not collected since 1895) was larger than any of the living hopping mice (probably about twice the weight of \INotomys mitchelli\i). It had large ears and a tail only slightly longer than its body. Nothing is known of its biology.
#
"Short-tailed Hopping Mouse Distribution Map",32,"b\2\133a.bmp","c","0"
Like the Dusky Hopping-mouse, this \Pspecies\p is restricted to sand dunes but those inhabited by the Northern Hopping-mouse tend to be stabilised with acacia shrubs over ground cover of spinifex. Small groups occupy complex burrows. Nothing is known of the diet or reproduction.
#
"Northern Hopping Mouse Distribution Map",35,"b\2\133b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Northern Hopping Mouse Fact File",36,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Notomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Coastal dunes with shrub vegetation
The Fawn Hopping-mouse has much the same distribution as the Dusky Hopping-mouse and the two are similar in size. They co-exist because of strong differences in \Phabitat\p preference: the Fawn Hopping-mouse prefers gibber plains, while the dusky \Pspecies\p is limited to dunes. The two may feed quite exclusively, even when only metres apart.
The Fawn Hopping-mouse feeds mainly on seeds, supplemented by green vegetation. It is able to drink salt water and to excrete the excess salt in its urine.
Its burrows are made in the excessively hard clay underlying \Pgibber\p plains and it has been suggested that this would only be possible when the clay has been softened by rain.
Sexual maturity is reached at about six months. Breeding is possible throughout the year but is probably determined by rainfall. The female has four teats and usually rears three young which become independent at about four weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"Fawn Hopping Mouse Distribution Map",38,"b\2\133c.bmp","c","0"
Like most members of its \Pgenus\p, the Dusky Hopping-mouse is adapted to desert life but it tends to be restricted to large sand dunes, in which it makes extensive burrows which communicate with the surface by a number of vertical shafts.
It forages for seeds, grasses and some insects on the surface of the dunes but does not go into \Pgibber\p areas, even when these are quite close. (Gibber areas are utilised by the Fawn Hopping-mouse.)
Sexual maturity is reached at two-and-a-half to three months and, although breeding can occur at any time of year, it is probably determined mainly by rainfall. The female has 4 teats and commonly rears three young which are weaned at about 4 weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IR Miller\i
#
"Dusky Hopping Mouse Distribution Map",41,"b\2\134a.bmp","c","0"
This extinct \Pspecies\p (not collected since 1901) was a little larger than Mitchell's Hopping-mouse but had a proportionately longer tail. Its burrow was made in dense soil or clay. Nothing is known of its biology.
\BPicture:\b \IJ Gould\i
#
"Long-tailed Hopping Mouse Distribution Map",44,"b\2\134b.bmp","c","0"
Nothing is known of the biology of this extinct \Pspecies\p, which shows some physical resemblance to the Fawn Hopping-mouse. It was last collected in 1844.
#
"Big-eared Hopping Mouse Distribution Map",47,"b\2\134c.bmp","c","0"
\INotomys mitchelli\i (mit'-chel-ee: "Mitchell's southern-mouse", after Sir Thomas Mitchell, explorer and discoverer of \Pspecies\p)
Largest of the hopping-mice, this \Pspecies\p lives closer to centres of human population (Perth, Adelaide) than any of the others and is commonly exhibited in major Australian zoos.
It feeds on seeds, green plants and some small insects: when these are scarce, it eats roots. Unlike the more desert-adapted hopping-mice it requires regular access to drinking water.
During the day, it sleeps in a nest in a deep burrow system communicating with the surface by a vertical shaft.
Females become sexually mature at about three months and are probably capable of breeding throughout the year. There are four teats and the usual litter is 2-4 young which are weaned at about four weeks and become independent about a week later.
\BPicture:\b \ID Whitford\i
#
"Mitchell's Hopping Mouse Distribution Map",50,"b\2\135a.bmp","c","0"
Nothing is known of the biology of this extinct \Pspecies\p, which was erected on the basis of a single skull, collected around 1844, supposedly from the Darling Downs.
#
"Darling Downs Hopping Mouse Distribution Map",53,"b\2\135b.bmp","c","0"
Females of this \Pspecies\p are slightly larger than the House Mouse, males markedly so. Both are much lighter in colour (ash-grey) than the House Mouse. During winter the Ash-grey Mouse feeds on seeds and green vegetation; in summer it eats a lot of insects.
It probably does not need access to drinking water. During the day, individuals and \Pfamily\p groups sleep in a nest in a complex burrow which may be three to four metres long.
Mating occurs from August to October on the mainland and perhaps from March to August on Bernier and Dorre Islands. Normally, only one litter is raised in a year. The female has four teats but litters of up to 6 young have been reared. Young become independent at six to seven weeks.
\BPicture:\b \ID Whitford\i
#
"Ash-grey Mouse Distribution Map",56,"b\2\136a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Ash-grey Mouse Fact File",57,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Subtropical to Cool temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Semi-arid woodland and heath on sandy soil
\IPseudomys apodemoides\i (ap'-oh-dem-oy'-dayz: "\IApodemus\i-like false-mouse", \IApodemus\i being a \Pgenus\p of European fieldmice)
The Silky Mouse is closely related to the Ash-grey Mouse and has similar coloration but a softer coat. It is slightly smaller than a House Mouse and has much larger ears.
It eats the seeds of casuarinas and leptospermums and, particularly in winter, it takes nectar from the Desert Banksia. Swarming cockroaches are also eaten.
It shelters communally in a complex burrow extending as far as three metres below the surface and often constructed in the shade of a Desert Banksia. It invades areas after a bushfire and population densities reach a peak in regenerating vegetation two years after such a fire.
Breeding can occur at any time of the year but appears to be strongly influenced by rainfall. Some populations breed in winter, others in spring and summer. Females may rear successive litters of 3-4 young.
\BPicture:\b \IW G Breed\i
#
"Silky Mouse Distribution Map",59,"b\3\136b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Silky Mouse Fact File",60,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Cool temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Semi-arid \Pmallee\p heathland, particularly around Desert Banksia shrubs
This \Pspecies\p, which is about four times the weight of a House Mouse, is sometimes referred to as the "Plains Rat" but it is a typical member of the \Pgenus\p \IPseudomys\i and significantly smaller than most \Pspecies\p of \IRattus\i. It feeds mostly on seeds, supplemented with green plant material and some insects.
It does not need to drink. During the day it shelters in a complex, shallow burrow system that extends over a large area. Non-breeding animals may congregate in groups of up to twenty or so, breeding animals in \Pfamily\p groups. Populations fluctuate greatly according to rainfall.
Females become sexually mature at 9-10 months. Breeding appears to be possible throughout the year but takes place mostly in winter and spring. The usual litter size is three to four young, which become independent at about 4 weeks. Several litters may be reared in succession.
\BPicture:\b \IW G Breed\i
#
"Plains Mouse Distribution Map",62,"b\3\137a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Plains Mouse Fact File",63,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Cool temperate to Warm temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b \PTussock\p or hummock grassland on gibber plains
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 10-14cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 8-12cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b 300,000-1 million square kilometres
\B\PAbundance:\p\b \Pvery sparse\p
\B\PStatus:\p\b \Pprobably secure\p
#
"Bolam's Mouse",64,"0","g","0"
\IPseudomys bolami\i (boh'-lam-ee: "Bolam's false-mouse" after A.J. Bolam, Australian naturalist)
Until 1984, this was regarded as a subspecies of the Sandy Inland Mouse. Although it has been separated as a distinct \Pspecies\p, we do not know how it differs in its biology.
#
"Bolam's Mouse Distribution Map",65,"b\3\137b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Bolam's Mouse Fact File",66,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Arid woodland with sparse scrub cover
\IPseudomys chapmani\i (chap'-man-ee: "Chapman's false-mouse" after G. Chapman, Australian zoologist)
This \Pspecies\p, which has a rather long head and large ears, is a little larger than the Pilliga Mouse but significantly smaller than the House Mouse. Its most outstanding characteristic (shared with the Central Pebble-mound Mouse) is the construction, over successive generations, of large piles of pebbles, within which several individuals (or pairs) make tunnels and nests.
The average weight of the pebbles is about 5g (half the average weight of an individual). The mounds provide a cool, humid shelter and represent an alternative to burrowing in very hard soil. They may also function as dew-traps.
Nothing is known of its breeding pattern.
\BPicture:\b \IB & B Wells\i
#
"Western Pebble-mound Mouse Distribution Map",68,"b\3\137c.bmp","c","0"
This \Pspecies\p is the smallest of the \IPseudomys\i \Pspecies\p, about half the weight of a House Mouse. It appears to feed mainly on grass seeds. During the day it sleeps in a nest made in a wide variety of shelters - in or under fallen timber, stones or in a complex burrow which may be two metres long.
Males and females are sexually mature at ten to eleven months. Mating occurs in June and July and the female normally rears 2-4 young which become independent at three to four weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IG A Hoye\i
#
"Delicate Mouse Distribution Map",71,"b\3\138a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Delicate Mouse Fact File",72,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Grassland, woodland, dry \Psclerophyll\p forest and coastal dunes
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 5-8cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 5-8cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b more than 1 million square kilometres
The Desert Mouse is a little larger than the House Mouse but has much longer fur, and larger ears and eyes (with a pronounced eye-ring). Little is known of its biology but in one study area it is known to feed on \Psedges\p and grasses.
It does not need to drink. It is solitary, males and females occupying separate nests. These are made in shallow burrows or in dense vegetation, through which it also makes runways.
Sexual maturity is reached at about ten weeks. Breeding can probably occur at any time of the year but is largely determined by rainfall. The usual litter is about three young, which become independent at about three weeks. Several litters may be reared in rapid succession.
\BPicture:\b \IB G Thomson\i
#
"Desert Mouse Distribution Map",74,"b\3\138b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Desert Mouse Fact File",75,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Warm temperate to Subtropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Arid hummock grassland and shrubland often on dunes
The Smoky Mouse is significantly larger than the House Mouse (two to three times heavier). Its food varies with the season. In summer it feeds mainly on seeds and berries; in winter mainly on underground fungi.
In spring, it feeds to a considerable extent on migrating Bogong Moths. Populations are unstable, with a high mortality from September to November.
Breeding occurs in summer and one or two litters of 3-4 young may be reared.
\BPicture:\b \IG B Baker\i
#
"Smoky Mouse Distribution Map",77,"b\3\139a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Smoky Mouse Fact File",78,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Cool temperate, Subalpine
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Sclerophyll forest and woodland with heath understorey, often on mountain ridges. Also on coastal plains.
This extinct \Pspecies\p (last collected in 1857) was about twice the weight of a House Mouse. All we know of its biology is that it slept communally in burrows.
\BPicture:\b \IJ Gould\i
#
"Gould's Mouse Distribution Map",80,"b\3\139b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Gould's Mouse Fact File",81,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Warm temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Dry \Psclerophyll\p forest to semi-arid woodland
This close relative of the Western Chestnut Mouse is significantly larger than it: males are 3-4 times the weight of a House Mouse; females 2-3 times heavier. It feeds largely on grasses, also on grass seeds.
The nest is constructed above ground or in a burrow. Runways are made in the dense ground vegetation that is its normal \Phabitat\p.
Mating occurs from about August to March. Females may rear three successive litters of about three young in rapid succession. Young are independent at about four weeks.
\BPicture:\b \ID Whitford\i
#
"Eastern Chestnut Mouse Distribution Map",83,"b\3\140a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Eastern Chestnut Mouse Fact File",84,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Warm temperate to Subtropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Wet or swampy heathland with dense shrub, woodland with dense grass cover
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 10-15cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 8-12cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b 300,000-1 million square kilometres
\B\PAbundance:\p\b \Pvery sparse\p
\B\PStatus:\p\b \Pprobably secure\p
#
"Sandy Inland Mouse",85,"a\1\510012.bmp","c","0"
\IPseudomys hermannsburgensis\i (her'-mans-berg-en'-sis: "Hermannsburg false-mouse", from Hermannsburg Mission, N.T.)
This \Pspecies\p is a little larger than the Delicate Mouse but not quite as large as the House Mouse, which it otherwise resembles, although its eyes and ears are larger. It feeds on seeds, supplemented by green vegetation and \Ptuber\ps. It probably does not need to drink.
During the day it sleeps - often in company with other individuals - in a nest at the end of a simple burrow up to about a metre long.
Breeding can probably occur at any time of the year but is likely to be stimulated by rainfall. The female can rear 3-4 young in a litter. These become independent at four to five weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IB & B Wells\i
#
"Sandy Inland Mouse Distribution Map",86,"b\3\140b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Sandy Inland Mouse Fact File",87,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical to Cool temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Very variable, extending over about two-thirds of Australia, from the arid tropics to arid cool temperate regions, on sandy deserts, gibber-flats, hummock grassland and mulga woodland
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 6-9cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 7-9cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b more than 1 million square kilometres
\B\PAbundance:\p\b \Psparse\p
\B\PStatus:\p\b \Psecure\p
#
"Long-tailed Mouse",88,"b\3\530029.bmp","c","0"
\IPseudomys higginsi\i (hig'-in-see: "Higgins' false-mouse" after E.T. Higgins, British naturalist, who described the \Pspecies\p [as Mus leucopus])
About three times the weight of the House Mouse, this \Pspecies\p is readily distinguished by its slender tail, which is almost one and a half times the length of the head and body.
It feeds on a wide range of green plant material, supplemented by insects and spiders. It seems that a male and female mate for life and, together with any dependent offspring, nest under fallen timber or in a shallow tunnel.
The Long-tailed Mouse is mainly \Pnocturnal\p but, in cold weather, may be active during the day. In contrast to most \Pspecies\p of \IPseudomys\i, which are adapted to hot, arid conditions and a fluctuating food supply, the Long-tailed Mouse lives in very wet, cold rainforest with year-round assurance of food. It is probably because of this ability that permanent, \Psedentary\p, \Pterritorial\p pairs can be established.
Mating occurs from November to April. The female has four teats and normally rears 3-4 young in a litter which are independent at four to five weeks but remain with the parents until 12-13 weeks old.
Suckling young are left in the (temporarily plugged) nest while the mother forages, but cling tightly to her teats if she is disturbed or moves into a new nest.
\BPicture:\b \IJ E Wapstra\i
#
"Long-tailed Mouse Distribution Map",89,"b\3\141a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Long-tailed Mouse Fact File",90,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Cool temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Deeply littered floor of very wet Antarctic Beech rainforest
\IPseudomys johnsoni\i (jon'-sun-ee: "Johnson's false-mouse" after K.A. Johnson, Australian zoologist)
This \Pspecies\p was described in 1985 and little is known of its biology. It has not been directly observed to make pebble-mounds but it is assumed to have much the same behaviour as the Western Pebble-mound Mouse.
#
"Central Pebble-mound Mouse Distribution Map",92,"b\3\141b.bmp","c","0"
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Arid acacia woodland and hummock grassland on stony ridges and plains
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 7cm
\B\PTail:\p\b c. 9cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b less than 10,000 square kilometres
\B\PAbundance:\p\b \Prare\p
\B\PStatus:\p\b \Ppossibly endangered\p
#
"Kimberley Mouse",94,"b\3\kimmse.bmp","c","0"
\IPseudomys laborifex\i (lab-o'-ri-fex: "work-maker", referring to difficulty of finding specimens)
This mouse, which was described in 1986 is similar in appearance to several other \Pspecies\p of \IPseudomys\i. However, among the similar \Pspecies\p that share or approach its distribution, it is a little larger than the Delicate Mouse; it has brownish fur on the back rather than grey, as in the Central Pebble-mound Mouse, and it is smaller than the Western Chestnut Mouse.
Nothing is known of its biology.
\BPicture:\b \IW A Museum/Kemper\i
#
"Kimberley Mouse Distribution Map",95,"b\3\142a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Kimberley Mouse Fact File",96,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Woodland with spinifex or grass ground cover, sometimes rocky
This orange-fawn \Pspecies\p is about twice the weight of the House Mouse and has much larger eyes, surrounded by a pale ring. It appears to feed on grasses and may not need to drink. Its nesting habits are unknown.
It probably breeds throughout the year except in the dry period from September to November, rearing successive litters of about three young in rapid succession when conditions are most favourable. Young are independent at three weeks. The gestation period of 22-24 days is the shortest known in the \Phydromyine\p rodents.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Best\i
#
"Western Chestnut Mouse Distribution Map",98,"b\3\142b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Western Chestnut Mouse Fact File",99,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Dense \Ptussock\p grassland, sometimes with cover of eucalypts
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 8-14cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 7-12cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b 300,000-1 million square kilometres
\B\PAbundance:\p\b \Psparse\p
\B\PStatus:\p\b \Psecure\p
#
"New Holland Mouse",100,"b\3\530014.bmp","c","0"
\IPseudomys novaehollandiae\i (noh'-vee-hol-an'-dee-ee: "New Hollandian (=Australian) false-mouse")
One of the most interesting features of the New Holland Mouse was that it was "rediscovered" near Sydney in 1967 after not having been recorded for about a century. Within a few years, it had been found in other parts of New South Wales, Victoria and even Tasmania.
Clearly, we had not been looking well enough for it, or in the right places. It may often have been mistaken for the House Mouse, which is about the same size and has a very similar appearance.
The New Holland Mouse feeds mainly on seeds in the warmer part of the year and insects in the colder part, but also eats green vegetation and fungi. During the day, individuals and \Pfamily\p groups sleep in a nest in tunnels up to five metres long.
Females become sexually mature at seven weeks or more but produce only one litter in the first year of life. Subsequently they may produce three to four litters in a year. Mating is from July to November and a female normally rears 3-4 young in a litter.
\BPicture:\b \ID Whitford\i
#
"New Holland Mouse Distribution Map",101,"b\3\143a.bmp","c","0"
#
"New Holland Mouse Fact File",102,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Cool temperate to Warm temperate
Little is known of the biology of this greyish \Pspecies\p, which is a little larger than the House Mouse and has a very long tail. It is known to eat seeds, fruits and fibrous green plant material. It probably spends the day in a burrow.
Fragmentary evidence suggests that litters of up to 4 young are born around October.
\BPicture:\b \IG A Hoye\i
#
"Western Mouse Distribution Map",104,"b\3\143b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Western Mouse Fact File",105,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Cool temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Semi-arid woodland and shrubland on sandy clay or loam
This is a large member of the \Pgenus\p, about five times the weight of a House Mouse and larger than the smallest of the Australian \Pspecies\p of \IRattus\i. Its food in the wild is not known but it has been kept in captivity on a diet consisting mostly of seeds.
\BPicture:\b \IR & A Williams\i
#
"Hastings River Mouse Distribution Map",107,"b\3\144a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Hastings River Mouse Fact File",108,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Warm temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Well watered dry \Psclerophyll\p forest with dense understorey of bracken
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 13-17cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 11-15cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b less than 10,000 square kilometres
\B\PAbundance:\p\b \Pvery sparse\p
\B\PStatus:\p\b \Ppossibly endangered\p
#
"Pilliga Mouse",109,"b\3\510016.bmp","c","0"
\IPseudomys pilligaensis\i (pil'-ig-ah-en'-sis: "Pilliga false-mouse" from Pilliga Scrub, NSW)
Little is known of this \Pspecies\p, which was described in 1980. It is only a little more than half the weight of the House Mouse and is the second smallest \Pspecies\p of \IPseudomys\i. Its diet is unknown. It nests in a tunnel, probably communally.
Breeding takes place at least from October to February.
\BPicture:\b \ID Whitford\i
#
"Pilliga Mouse Distribution Map",110,"b\3\144b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Pilliga Mouse Fact File",111,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Warm temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Cypress pine forest with heath understorey, on sand. Localised.
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 6-8cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 6-8cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b less than 10,000 square kilometres
\B\PAbundance:\p\b \Prare\p
\B\PStatus:\p\b \Pvulnerable\p
#
"Shark Bay Mouse",112,"b\3\510017.bmp","c","0"
\IPseudomys praeconis\i (pree-koh'-nis: "herald false-mouse", after H.M.S. 'Herald' which surveyed Shark Bay in the nineteenth century)
Little is known of the biology of this \Pspecies\p, which is about twice the size of the House Mouse. It was discovered on the mainland of Shark Bay but is now restricted to Bernier Island, where it is known to eat flowers and green plant material and to make tunnels and runways in spinifex \Ptussock\ps and piles of sea grass on the beach.
The female rears up to four young in a litter. These cling tightly to the mother's teats and are dragged with her as she moves about. Young become independent at 4-5 weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IB & B Wells\i
#
"Shark Bay Mouse Distribution Map",113,"b\3\145a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Shark Bay Mouse Fact File",114,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Subtropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Semi-arid coastal dunes
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 8-12cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 11-13cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b less than 10,000 square kilometres
\B\PAbundance:\p\b \Pvery sparse\p
\B\PStatus:\p\b \Pendangered\p
#
"Heath Mouse",115,"b\3\510018.bmp","c","0"
\IPseudomys shortridgei\i (short'-rid-jee: "Shortridge's false-mouse", after G.C. Shortridge, British naturalist)
Although almost rat-sized (and referred to by some as the Heath Rat), the Heath Mouse is a typical member of the \Pgenus\p \IPseudomys\i.
In the warmer part of the year it eats seeds, berries and flowers; in autumn it feeds on the less nutritious stems and leaves of grasses, \Psedges\p and other vegetation; in winter it survives on underground fungi.
Although mainly \Pnocturnal\p, it may also be active during part of the day. It sleeps in a nest which may be built above ground among vegetation or in burrows made by other animals. It colonises suitable areas as these begin to regenerate after fire and populations decline as regeneration slows down.
Sexual maturity is reached at about ll months. Breeding occurs from about October to January. Females usually rear about three young in a litter. One or two litters may be produced in a year.
\BPicture:\b \IW G Breed\i
#
"Heath Mouse Distribution Map",116,"b\3\145b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Heath Mouse Fact File",117,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pseudomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Cool temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Heathland, particularly when regenerating after fire
As its name implies, this \Pspecies\p inhabits rocky areas, particularly where outcrops, screes or rock-piles create cavities in which nests can be made. It feeds on seeds, leaves and other vegetation, supplemented by insects and fungi.
Sexual maturity is reached at 5-6 weeks. Breeding may occur at any time of the year but appears to be greatest from March to May, in the early part of the dry season. The female rears one to four young, which are left in the nest while she forages. Young become independent at 4-5 weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"Common Rock-rat Distribution Map",119,"b\3\146a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Common Rock-rat Fact File",120,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Zyzomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Non-arid Australia where rocks provide appropriate cavities for nesting
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 8-10cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 10-13cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b 300,000-1 million square kilometres
This \Pspecies\p appears to be very rare. Only six specimens have been collected between its discovery in 1896 and its last confirmed sighting in 1960. Its \Phabitat\p is much more arid than that of the other rock-rats and its biology is unknown.
The specific name refers to a thickening of the tail by an accumulation of fat in the region just behind its base (giving the appearance of a very slender carrot). This is characteristic of the \Pgenus\p.
#
"Central Rock-rat Distribution Map",122,"b\3\146b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Central Rock-rat Fact File",123,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Zyzomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b \PMonsoon forest\p in sandstone ravines, near water
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 11-13 cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 11-14 cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b less than 10,000 square kilometres
\B\PAbundance:\p\b \Prare\p
\B\PStatus:\p\b \Ppossibly endangered\p
#
"Large Rock-rat",124,"b\3\520028.bmp","c","0"
\IZyzomys woodwardi\i (wood'-wud-ee: "Woodward's zyzomys", after B.M. Woodward, first curator of the Western Australian Museum)
The Large Rock-rat (which also occurs in New Guinea) appears to be similar in its biology to the Common Rock-rat but more selective in its \Phabitat\p. Limited information on its diet suggests that it feeds on the fallen seeds and fruits of rainforest trees and that it nests in deep crevices among rocks.
Sexual maturity is reached at 5-6 weeks. Breeding appears to be possible throughout the year but to be dependent upon rainfall. The peak of breeding is in March, at the end of the wet season. One to three young are reared, becoming independent at 3-4 weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"Large Rock-rat Distribution Map",125,"b\3\147a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Large Rock-rat Fact File",126,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Conilurini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Zyzomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b \PMonsoon forest\p, dry \Psclerophyll\p forest and pandanus scrubland over fractured rock, scree or rock-piles
The Water-rat is an \Popportunistic\p predator which takes most of its food under water. It preys on crabs, crayfishes, frogs, small tortoises, mussels, young aquatic birds and large insects. On land, it eats food scraps and \Pcarrion\p and may catch small rodents and birds, including domestic poultry.
It is an excellent swimmer, propelling itself with its partially webbed hindfeet: the dense fur (for which it was trapped in large numbers during the nineteenth century) is water-repellent. Unlike most native rodents, it is not strictly \Pnocturnal\p: it often hunts after dawn and at dusk. During the greater part of the day it sleeps in a nest at the end of a burrow dug in the bank of a watercourse or lake.
Sexual maturity is reached at about one year. Breeding occurs throughout the year but with a peak from September to March. The female has four teats and usually rears 3-4 young which are suckled for 4 weeks and remain with the mother for a further 4 weeks (during which period they may learn some hunting skills from the mother). Several litters may be reared in a year.
\BPicture:\b \IH Millen\i
#
"Australian Water-rat Distribution Map",2,"b\4\147b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Australian Water-rat Fact File",3,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Hydromyini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Hydromys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical to Cool temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Rainforest to \Psclerophyll\p forest, near to fresh water
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 23-37cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 23-33cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b more than 1 million square kilometres
Little is known of this elusive \Pspecies\p, which is the only close Australian relative of the Water-rat. It inhabits rainforest and mud-flats in mangrove swamps, where it has been seen to feed on soldier crabs.
Its diet probably includes a much wider range of prey, including some taken in the water, although it does not have webs on the hindfeet. It is known to be active in the early morning and evening, even in the middle of the day.
The nest is sometimes in a burrow, sometimes on the ground, sometimes on a mound of clay that raises it above high tide level.
The female has four teats. Nothing is known of its breeding biology.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"False Water-rat Distribution Map",5,"b\4\148.bmp","c","0"
#
"False Water-rat Fact File",6,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Hydromyini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Xeromys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Mangrove mud-flats and rainforest edges, close to water
\IMelomys burtoni\i (ber'-tun-ee: "Burton's Melanesian-mouse", after W. Burton, assistant to T. Bowyer-Boyer, discoverer of \Pspecies\p)
The Grassland Melomys lives in areas where grass is plentiful and feeds largely on grass seeds and succulent stems. Berries are also eaten. It has become a pest of sugar cane plantations, where it nibbles the canes, weakening them so that they become infected or break.
It climbs on stout grass stems but seldom climbs trees, being an essentially \Pterrestrial\p \Pspecies\p. It usually sleeps in a globular nest of woven grass, attached to several tall grass stems.
Breeding can occur at any time of the year but appears to be mainly from about March to July. The female has four teats and normally rears 2-3 young which are weaned at 3-4 weeks. Young attach themselves firmly to the mother's teats and are dragged behind her as she moves about.
\BPicture:\b \IH J Aslin\i
#
"Grassland Melomys Distribution Map",2,"b\4\149a.bmp","c","0"
\IMelomys capensis\i (kay-pen'-sis: "Cape Melanesian-mouse", referring to Cape York Peninsula)
This \Pspecies\p is indistinguishable in appearance from the Fawn-footed Melomys but is readily separated on genetic and biochemical criteria. It is \Pnocturnal\p, feeding at the edges of rainforest on the fallen seeds of trees.
The female has four teats. Nothing is known of its breeding biology.
\BPicture:\b \IH J Aslin\i
#
"Cape York Melomys Distribution Map",5,"b\4\149b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Cape York Melomys Fact File",6,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Uromyini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Melomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Edges of wet \Psclerophyll\p forest and rainforest
The Fawn-footed Melomys is a largely \Parboreal\p rodent which spends some time on the ground. It is an excellent climber in the \Pcanopy\p but is unable to climb smooth-barked trees.
It usually moves between the ground and the \Pcanopy\p along vines that surround the trunks. It is \Pherbivorous\p, with a diet that includes succulent leaves and fruits, it is \Pnocturnal\p and sleeps during the day in a nest of leaves constructed in a forked branch in the \Pcanopy\p.
Breeding occurs throughout the year, with a peak from September to June. Males are larger than females. The female has 4 teats and usually rears 2 young which are weaned at the age of three weeks. As many as five litters may be reared in a year.
Suckling young attach themselves firmly to the mother's teats and are dragged behind her when she moves about.
\BPicture:\b \IA C Robinson\i
#
"Fawn-footed Melomys Distribution Map",8,"b\4\150a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Fawn-footed Melomys Fact File",9,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Uromyini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Melomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Subtropical to Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Wet \Psclerophyll\p forest and rainforest
There is some doubt about the validity of this \Pspecies\p which may be no more than a variant of the Cape York Melomys. Its distribution is restricted to Bramble Cay, which is rapidly disintegrating - thus providing a literal example of 'loss of \Phabitat\p'.
It is \Pnocturnal\p, probably feeding on ground vegetation and insects. It sleeps by day in a nest on the ground.
#
"Bramble Cay Melomys Distribution Map",11,"b\4\151a.bmp","c","0"
#
"Bramble Cay Melomys Fact File",12,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Uromyini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Melomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b High grass near beach of coral cay
\B\PHead and body:\p\b c. 15cm
\B\PTail:\p\b c. 18cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b less than 10,000 square kilometres
This large rodent, an excellent climber, feeds largely on the seeds and fruits of rainforest trees. It also eats insects and fungi and often raids camps or homesteads in search of food (including cans, which it can open with its incisors!).
In New Guinea, it is a pest of coconut plantations. It is \Pnocturnal\p and usually sleeps by day in a nest in a tree-hole, but it sometimes makes a burrow.
Males are larger than females. Sexual maturity is reached at about ten months. Mating occurs in October or November. The female has four teats and usually rears 2-3 young. These attach themselves firmly to the teats and are dragged behind the mother as she moves about. They are weaned at about five weeks but do not leave the mother until about eight weeks old.
\BPicture:\b \IA C Robinson\i
#
"Giant White-tailed Rat Distribution Map",14,"b\4\151b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Giant White-tailed Rat Fact File",15,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Uromyini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Uromys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Wet \Psclerophyll\p forest and rainforest
The identity of the \Pprehensile\p-tailed rat found in Australia is not firmly determined but it is provisionally assigned to \IP. mollipilosus\i. The common name refers only to the \Pgenus\p. In New Guinea, this \Pspecies\p feeds on leaves and nuts, both on the ground and in trees, where it is an agile climber. It nests communally in burrows.
Nothing is known of the pattern of breeding in Australia. Although the female has six teats, it usually rears only 2-3 young.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"Prehensile-tailed Rat Distribution Map",20,"b\4\152.bmp","c","0"
#
"Prehensile-tailed Rat Fact File",21,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Hydromyinae
\B\PTribe:\p\b Uromyini
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Pogonomys
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Rainforest
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 13-15cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 16-21cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b less than 10,000 square kilometres
\B\PAbundance:\p\b \Prare\p
\B\PStatus:\p\b \Ppossibly endangered\p
#
"Dusky Rat",22,"b\4\dskyrat.bmp","c","0"
\IRattus colletti\i (col'-et-ee: "Collett's rat", after R. Collett, Norwegian zoologist)
This is a \Pspecies\p of tropical monsoonal floodplains. During the floods of the wet season, it moves to higher ground, feeding on the bases of grasses and the \Pcorm\ps of \Psedges\p.
As the floods subside, it spreads out over the plains, feeding on \Psedges\p and sheltering in the cracks that develop in the drying soil. It is an \Popportunistic\p \Pspecies\p; populations increase greatly when food is available but there is usually a heavy mortality in the dry season.
Females become sexually mature when about six weeks old. They have 12 teats and usually rear about nine young in a litter. These become independent at about three to four weeks. Breeding can continue throughout the year but has a peak from May to June.
\BPicture:\b \IH J Aslin\i
#
"Dusky Rat Distribution Map",23,"b\4\153a.bmp","c","0"
The Bush Rat is a very adaptable \Pspecies\p which feeds upon a wide range of green plants and fungi and has a considerable intake of insects. Being dependent upon moist conditions and daily access to drinking water, it is restricted to well-watered coastal regions, usually forests with dense ground cover.
It sleeps by day in short burrows or under the shelter of stones or fallen timber. Local populations reach greatest density in regenerating bushland two to three years after a severe fire.
Males are larger than females. Females become sexually mature when four to five months old and are thereafter able to breed continuously, with a peak of births in summer. The female has eight teats and usually rears about five young in a litter: these become independent when four to five weeks old.
\BPicture:\b \IA C Robinson\i
#
"Bush Rat Distribution Map",26,"b\4\153b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Bush Rat Fact File",27,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Murinae
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Rattus
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Cool temperate to Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Coastal rainforest
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 11-20cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 10-20cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b 300,000-1 million square kilometres
Like the Dusky Rat, this is a tropical \Pspecies\p, very dependent upon a wet environment. It feeds at night on the fruits and nuts of rainforest trees, supplemented by insects: it does not climb trees.
During the day it sleeps in a nest under a log or among buttress roots of rainforest trees.
Sexual maturity is reached at about three months of age. Females have six teats and usually rear three or four young, which become independent at about four weeks. Breeding extends throughout the year except for the dry season.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"Cape York Rat Distribution Map",29,"b\4\154a.bmp","c","0"
Both the scientific and common names of this \Pspecies\p were based on the misapprehension that it is \Pamphibious\p. In fact, its preferred \Phabitat\p is dense ground vegetation.
It constructs runways through the vegetation and usually makes its nest at the end of a burrow. In swampy areas, nests are built above ground, in hollow logs or in \Ptussock\ps. The major components of the diet are grasses and \Psedges\p, including their seeds.
Mosses and fungi are also eaten and insects are taken, particularly in summer. Population densities are higher in areas where vegetation is regenerating several years after a bushfire.
Females become sexually mature at about three months. Breeding occurs throughout the year except in winter: the season is longer in the northern part of the range than in the southern.
Females from the mainland have ten teats; those from Tasmania have eight. The average litter is three to four young which are weaned at the age of about three weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IG A Hoye\i
#
"Swamp Rat Distribution Map",32,"b\4\154b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Swamp Rat Fact File",33,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Murinae
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Rattus
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Tropical to Cool temperate
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Dense grassland, sedgeland or heath
Although now common in sugar canefields, this \Pspecies\p was originally an inhabitant of tropical grasslands and grassy areas within and at the edges of forests. However, sugar cane (which is a grass) provides excellent food and shelter.
The normal diet is grass but this is supplemented to some extent by insects. During the day, it sleeps in a nest, usually situated in a burrow.
Males are larger than females. Sexual maturity is reached at nine to ten weeks. Breeding can occur throughout the year but there is a peak of births from about March to May. The female has 12 teats and usually rears about six young in a litter. Since these become independent when about three weeks old, populations can expand very rapidly.
\BPicture:\b \IR & A Williams\i
#
"Canefield Rat Distribution Map",35,"b\4\155a.bmp","c","0"
\IRattus tunneyi\i (tun'-ee-ee; "Tunney's rat", after J.T. Tunney, collector of first specimen)
The Pale Field-rat feeds mainly at night on the seeds, stems and roots of grasses. During the day it sleeps in a nest in a shallow burrow, possibly communally.
Sexual maturity is reached at about five weeks. Breeding extends from about May to August in the northern part of the range, possibly from March to May in the southern part. The female has ten teats and usually rears a litter of four, which become independent at about three weeks.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"Pale Field Rat Distribution Map",38,"b\4\155b.bmp","c","0"
#
"Pale Field Rat Fact File",39,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Murinae
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Rattus
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Subtropical to Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Tall grassland, usually close to water
Unlike other native rats, this \Pspecies\p ventures into desert regions, but only following one or two years of unusually heavy rains that lead to abundant plant growth. Under these circumstances it multiplies rapidly to 'plague' proportions, after which populations crash and it survives in much lower density in better watered areas at the edge of deserts.
It is not desert-adapted, since it requires regular access to drinking water. It feeds, usually at night, on grasses, seeds, succulent plants and insects: during plagues, it will attempt to eat any organic material, boldly entering houses or camps to do so.
Under normal circumstances it sleeps in a nest in a burrow, forming part of a warren.
Males are a little larger than females. Sexual maturity is reached at about 10 weeks. Breeding can occur at any time of the year but appears to be related to the availability of food. The female has 12 teats and usually rears about seven young in a litter.
\BPicture:\b \IH & J Beste\i
#
"Long-haired Rat Distribution Map",41,"b\4\156.bmp","c","0"
#
"Long-haired Rat Fact File",42,"0","g","0"
\B\PSubclass:\p\b Eutheria
\B\POrder:\p\b Rodentia
\B\PSuborder:\p\b Myomorpha
\B\PFamily:\p\b Muridae
\B\PSubfamily:\p\b Murinae
\B\PGenus:\p\b\I Rattus
\i\B\PClimate:\p\b Warm temperate to Tropical
\B\PHabitat:\p\b Semi-arid to arid areas over most of inland Australia - on an \Popportunistic\p basis
\B\PHead and body:\p\b 12-22cm
\B\PTail:\p\b 10-18cm
\B\PDistribution:\p\b more than 1 million square kilometres
