Gold mouse
| Gold mouse | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name of the genus | ||||||||||||
| Ochrotomys | ||||||||||||
| Osgood , 1909 | ||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the species | ||||||||||||
| Ochrotomys nuttalli | ||||||||||||
| ( Harlan , 1832) |
The Gold Mouse ( Ochrotomys nuttalli ) is in the USA living rodent species from the group of New world .
features
Golden mice are named for their soft, golden-yellow fur , with the belly and feet being white or white-orange. They reach a head body length of 5 to 12 centimeters and a tail length of 5 to 10 centimeters. The weight is 15 to 30 grams.
distribution and habitat
They inhabit the central and southeastern parts of the United States from southeast Missouri and southern Virginia to eastern Texas and Florida . The species lives in bushlands and forests, but is dependent on dense undergrowth.
According to the IUCN , they are not at risk.
Way of life
Gold mice are mainly tree-dwelling, but in some regions, such as Texas, they mainly live on the ground. They are skilful climbers who use their long tail as a balance organ and to grip. They build nests out of grass, leaves and bark that serve as resting places for them. Nests can be 10 to 20 centimeters in diameter and are used by up to eight animals at the same time. In addition, they build smaller nests in which they take their food - mainly seeds - in peace.
Reproduction
Reproduction is variable, in some regions they can reproduce all year round, in others only at certain times. You can have several litters a year. The gestation period is 25 to 30 days, the litter size 1 to 4 (average 2.7). The pups open their eyes at 11 to 14 days, are weaned at 17 to 21 days, and are fully grown at 8 to 10 weeks.
Systematics
Originally the gold mouse was considered a close relative of the white-footed mice ( Peromyscus ). By Wilson and Reeder (2005), however, they were classified into a separate tribe , the Ochrotomyini.
literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
- Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. 2 volumes. 3. Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .
Web links
- Ochrotomys nuttalli in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2006 Posted by: J. Baillie, 1996. Retrieved on 1 August, 2008.