The dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus), 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.
Taxonomy
left|thumb|Adult dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus)
The dusky hopping mouse, or Wilkinti, is a mammal in the order Rodentia, and suborder Sciurognathi. The species is in the family Muridae and the subfamily Murinae (includes all Australian native rats and mice). The dusky hopping mouse belongs to the genus Notomys, a group of desert-dwelling rodents.
The species was originally described as Ascopharynx fuscus (Wood Jones 1925) from a specimen collected in South Australia. Subsequent collections were described as Notomys fuscus eyreius in 1960. Hopping mice collected in Queensland between 1957 and 1959 were described as a new species, Notomys filmeri, however, later taxonomic investigation revealed these were Notomys fuscus.
Description
thumb|Specimen of dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus), showing throat pouch|left
The dusky hopping mouse has pale orange-brown upper parts, occasionally with grey tinged streaks. The under parts are grey-white. It grows to 80–115 mm long, They have a well-developed throat pouch, with an opening surrounded by a fleshy margin with inward pointing, coarse white hairs. Its ears are large and furless for dissipating heat, and they have prominent dark eyes, and strong incisor teeth. The testes are extremely small compared to other native rodents. Females have two pairs of inguinal teats. and Western Australia. Sub-fossil specimens were found in far-south South Australia, near the Flinders Ranges. Distribution has shown a marked decline of more than 90% since the arrival of Europeans, The species was presumed to be extinct in New South Wales, before being re-discovered in Sturt National Park in 2003. Since then, a number of sightings have been recorded near Broken Hill, New South Wales.
Ecology
Habitat
thumb|The Strzelecki Desert, contains habitats preferred by the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus)
The preferred habitat of the dusky hopping mouse is the crests and slopes of stabilised desert sand dunes and ridges, Dense populations tend to occur only within the vicinity of major drainage systems. It is an opportunistic, Green plant material, insects, This species is likely monogamous, and females may display selectivity in choosing which males will sire offspring.
Dispersal and movement
When travelling slowly, hopping mice move on all fours, however they hop on the hind feet when travelling at speed. and feral cat (Felis catus) have detrimental impacts on dusky hopping mouse populations. Where cat and fox abundance is high, dusky hopping mouse populations decline. Cats target smaller prey such as rodents, which can make up a large proportion of their diet. Native species, such as the eastern barn owl (Tyto javanica), frequently consume this species, as does the dingo. Dingoes may de-populate localised populations of hopping mice within months, particularly under drought conditions.
Habitat degradation
Livestock, kangaroos and rabbits overgraze vegetation required for shelter and food sources, Reduced food availability limits hopping mice abundance, and the availability of suitable habitat limits their distribution.
Climate Change
This species experiences natural population declines during dry periods, when food resources are limited, and increase strongly following rainfall events.
- South Australia: Vulnerable (National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972)
- Queensland: Endangered (Nature Conservation Act 1992)
- Northern Territory: Endangered (Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000)