Smoky Mouse (Pseudomys fumeus)

The Smoky Mouse


The smoky mouse appears to be prominent in West Victoria and in Australia, east of Melbourne. This species is endangered due to predators and a lack of it’s natural habitat. A significant predator of the smoky mouse is the feral pig and efforts are being made to reduce the population of feral pigs in areas where populations of smoky mice are present. European settlement has also played a major role in the decline of the smoky mouse population.

The smoky mouse east of Melbourne measures about 107mm including its head and body, its tail measures about 116mm. The tail is notably larger than the head and tail. The average weight of the smoky mouse (east of Melbourne) is about 35g. The body of the smoky mouse (east of Melbourne) is a grey hue that fades into a smoky grey on the underbelly. The smoky mouse located in West Victoria are larger than those near Melbourne measuring about122mm including the head and body, the tail measures about 132mm. A darker hue of grey covers the top portion of the smoky mouse located near Melbourne, the dark grey fades into a very light shade of grey-almost white. In both locations the eyes are rather large and have a dark ring around them. The tail coloring is pinkish and a brown stripe runs along the top of the tail. Its ears are long and feet are pink.

Although little information is available on the feedings habits of this animal, the smoky mouse does enjoy eating fruit, seeds and fungi.

The smoky mouse breeds in the late summer months particularly between December and February. The information on the breeding habits of the smoky mouse are limited due to the shortage of specimen.

Interestingly, the smoky mouse will elevate and undulate its tail when it becomes irritated.

Further Information on the Smoky Mouse:

Bibliography

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

Fact Sheet No. 23 The Smoky Mouse (Pseudomys fumeus) An Endangered Species, Environment Act, 8/5/04, www.environment.act.gov.au/files/tsfactsheet23word.doc.