Dusky Hopping-mouse
Notomys fuscus
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Chris Rehberg | Sydney Birding, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Chris Rehberg | Sydney Birding
Overview
The dusky hopping mouse, 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.
The Dusky Hopping-mouse faces significant threats from habitat degradation and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, overgrazing by livestock, and altered fire regimes across its range. Competition with introduced species and predation by feral cats and foxes have further reduced population viability, while climate change and drought conditions threaten the arid and semi-arid ecosystems this species depends upon.
Habitat
Inhabits arid and semi-arid shrublands, grasslands, and open woodlands with sandy or clay soils, particularly areas with sparse vegetation cover and scattered shrubs. Prefers habitats with suitable soil conditions for burrow construction, including mallee scrublands, chenopod shrublands, and open areas adjacent to ephemeral wetlands.
Other threatened species in Muridae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Dusky Hopping-mouse classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Dusky Hopping-mouse live?
What are the main threats to Dusky Hopping-mouse?
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