Plains Mouse (Pseudomys australis)

The Plains Mouse (Photograph: H & J Beste)


The plains mouse is rarely found in the wild; however this mouse is bred in captivity. Plains mice will soon be reintroduced to their natural habitat on Reny Island. European settlement and predation by foxes wiped out most of the population of plains mice on Reny Island. The plains mouse population is unknown but presumed to be very small in Western Australia. This species is classified as “vulnerable”. There is little information available on this species.

The total measurement of the average plains mouse (including head and tail) is 220mm, with the tail accounting for almost half. 50g is the average weight for a plains mouse. The fur is a glossy grey with some black hairs throughout and fades into a white hue on the underbelly. Grey fur is present on the ears and the top of the tail, the bottom of the tail is colored similarly to the underbelly. There is some pink on the feet and inside the ears.

Various plant materials including the seeds are a dietary staple of the plains mouse. Some insects are also eaten in small quantities.

Plains mice appear to breed only when there will be ample resources to feed the babies, this is generally after rainfall. Through captive breeding we know that the gestation period lasts about one month, the average litter produces 3 animals, and one month after birth the young are independent of their mother.

Further Information on the Plains Mouse:

Bibliography

Diet & Reproduction Report: Plains Mouse, Museum of Victoria, 8/7/04, http://flyaqis.mov.vic.gov.au/cgi-bin/texhtml.

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia, Menkhorst, P and Knight, F. ©2001.