Hastings River mouse

Hastings River mouse
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Rodentia
Family:	Muridae
Genus:	Pseudomys
Species:	P. oralis
Binomial name
Pseudomys oralis Thomas, 1921

The Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis) is a species of Australian rodent in the subfamily Murinae^[2][3] of the family Muridae. It is found only in Australia.^[1]

Ecological role

Although it is not known if the Hastings River mouse nests with other breeds of this rodent or individually, it is known that in captivity, the Hastings River mouse can eat grain. In the wild, the species adapts well to the seasons by eating various plant materials in the summer and when winter comes, the diet is supplemented by fungi.^[4] There is a breeding season in the wild that occurs from August through March. There is also mating that occurs during the winter.

Population and conservation role

There is little known on the population of this species, as the species is both rare and elusive. The Hastings River mouse is often found in New South Wales, Eastern Australia and Queensland in altitudes reaching 1200 m. The Hastings River mouse is easily killed by humans suggesting possible domesticity of this species.

Size and biology

The body and head of this species measures about 145 mm and the average tail measurement is about 140 mm, slightly larger than most other mice. It also weighs an approximate 92 g.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pseudomys oralis.