Northern harvest mouse
| North harvest mouse | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Baiomys taylori | ||||||||||||
| ( Thomas , 1887) |
| 1 | · | 0 | · | 0 | · | 3 | = 16 |
The Northern Harvest Mouse ( Baiomys taylori ) is the smallest rodent in North America . Together with the southern harvest mouse, it forms the genus of American harvest mice within the family of burrowers (Cricetidae).
features
With a total length of 87 to 123 mm, a tail length of 34 to 53 mm (length of all caudal vertebrae ) and a weight of 6 to 9.5 g, the northern harvest mouse is slightly smaller than its sister species . It has 12 to 15 mm long hind feet and 9 to 12 mm long ears. Specimens living in the mountains are generally larger than those living in the plains. The fur of adults is red-brown, gray or black on the upper side, while the underside is covered with white, cream-colored or light gray fur. The first coat of the young is always gray on the top and a little lighter on the underside. The coat change takes place 60 to 74 days after birth.
distribution
The distribution area of the species extends from the US states of Texas , Oklahoma , New Mexico and Arizona to the central Mexican states of Puebla and Veracruz . The northern harvest mouse can be found in the plains and in mountains up to 2,400 meters above sea level. Various semi-arid to dry landscapes, such as deciduous forests with oaks and hickories ( Carya ), mixed forests, savannas with isolated oaks, biotopes with grasses and prickly pears ( Opuntia ficus-indica ), semi-deserts with bushes, coastal prairies or typical prairies serve as habitats . The northern harvest mouse needs dense vegetation close to the ground. It can adapt to cultivated areas without major problems.
Way of life
This rodent is crepuscular. It does not hibernate, but can go into a torpor ( torpor ) state in cold weather . If available, the diet consists mainly of shoots and fruits of the prickly pear. The northern harvest mouse also eats leaves and seeds from grass, beans from plants of the genus Prosopis , berries and other parts of plants. The diet is completed with insects, snails or tiny snakes (e.g. Texas slender blind snake or Tropidoclonion lineatum ).
The northern harvest mouse builds a spherical nest out of grass and other plant fibers that is hidden under objects or in dense balls of grass. According to a paper from 1974, she may be building underground structures. The territories of different specimens overlap. According to two studies from 1949 and 1983, the species is being driven out of the territory by the prickly cotton rat ( Sigmodon hispidus ). Another study from 1985 could not confirm this thesis. In the laboratory, the harvest mouse was more aggressive towards the yellowish harvest mouse ( Reithrodontomys fulvescens ). The northern harvest mouse is mainly hunted by rattlesnakes , other snakes and owls . She is believed to have fallen victim to several other predators.
Several litters occur in females throughout the year. After 20 to 23 days of gestation , one to five offspring are born per litter. These are initially blind and naked with pink skin. The young get darker from the first day, open their eyes after 12 to 15 days and suckle for 17 to 24 days. Females usually reach sexual maturity after 60 to 90 days, while males are able to reproduce after 70 to 80 days. Most specimens do not live longer than half a year (23 weeks). The oldest known northern harvest mouse reached an age of 2.5 years.
status
There are no significant dangers for the species. It is widespread and numerous. The IUCN lists the Northern harvest mouse as Least Concern .
supporting documents
- ↑ a b c d e f B.D. Eshelman & GN Cameron (1987): Baiomys taylori . In: Mammalian Species , No. 285, pp. 1-7
- ↑ Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Ed.): Mammal Species of the World . A taxonomic and geographic Reference . 3. Edition. 2 volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 (English, Baiomys ).
- ↑ a b c d e Baiomys taylori in the endangered species Red List of IUCN 2016. Submitted By: Timm, R., Álvarez-Castañeda, ST, Castro-Arellano, I. & Lacher, T., 2016. Retrieved on 29th October 2017.