Olive-backed pocket mouse: Difference between revisions
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==Description== |
==Description== |
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An adult olive-backed pocket mouse ranges in length from about {{convert|125|to|143|mm|1|abbr=on}} including a tail of {{convert|56|to|68|mm|1|abbr=on}}, with individuals from the northern end of the range being larger than those from the south. The fur on the head, back and sides ranges from dark olive-brown in the eastern part of its range to pale buff in the west. The underparts are white, or occasionally buff, with a |
An adult olive-backed pocket mouse ranges in length from about {{convert|125|to|143|mm|1|abbr=on}} including a tail of {{convert|56|to|68|mm|1|abbr=on}}, with individuals from the northern end of the range being larger than those from the south. It weighs {{convert|11|to|14|g|1|abbr=on}}. The fur on the head, back and sides ranges from dark olive-brown in the eastern part of its range to pale buff in the west. The underparts are white, or occasionally buff, with a narrow cream-colored lateral line separating the two colors. There is a buff-colored spot behind the ear.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Manning, Richard W.; Jones, J. Knox Jr. |year=1988 |title=''Perognathus fasciatus'' |journal=Mammalian Species |volume=303 |pages=1–4 |doi=10.2307/3504144 |jstor=3504144 }}</ref> |
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==Behavior== |
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The olive-backed pocket mouse is nocturnal and lives underground in an extensive system of burrows which may extend up to {{convert|2|m|1|abbr=on}} beneath the surface and have a diameter of {{convert|6|m|1|abbr=on}}. In the northern part of their range they may spend up to eight months in hibernation. They make extensive caches of seeds in their burrows which can help sustain them during the autumn, winter and early spring when they do not emerge above ground.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://esrd.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife/species-at-risk/species-at-risk-publications-web-resources/species-at-risk-general/documents/SAR086-MULTISAR-MilkRiverBasinProject-HabitatSuitabilityModels-Mar2004.pdf |title=Olive-backed Pocket Mouse (''Perognathus fasciatus''} |author=Gummer, David L.; Kissner, Kelley J. |date=2003-03-01 |work=Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 86 |publisher=Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development |accessdate=2014-08-22}}</ref> |
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==Status== |
==Status== |
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[[Category:Perognathus]] |
[[Category:Perognathus]] |
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[[Category:Animals described in 1839]] |
[[Category:Animals described in 1839]] |
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{{Heteromyidae-stub}} |
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Revision as of 19:21, 22 August 2014
| Olive-backed pocket mouse | |
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| Scientific classification | |
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| Species: | P. fasciatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Perognathus fasciatus Wied-Neuwied, 1839
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The olive-backed pocket mouse (Perognathus fasciatus) is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is found in the central Great Plains of Canada and the United States where it is widespread and common, and the IUCN considers it to be of "least concern".
Description
An adult olive-backed pocket mouse ranges in length from about 125 to 143 mm (4.9 to 5.6 in) including a tail of 56 to 68 mm (2.2 to 2.7 in), with individuals from the northern end of the range being larger than those from the south. It weighs 11 to 14 g (0.4 to 0.5 oz). The fur on the head, back and sides ranges from dark olive-brown in the eastern part of its range to pale buff in the west. The underparts are white, or occasionally buff, with a narrow cream-colored lateral line separating the two colors. There is a buff-colored spot behind the ear.[2]
Behavior
The olive-backed pocket mouse is nocturnal and lives underground in an extensive system of burrows which may extend up to 2 m (6 ft 6.7 in) beneath the surface and have a diameter of 6 m (19.7 ft). In the northern part of their range they may spend up to eight months in hibernation. They make extensive caches of seeds in their burrows which can help sustain them during the autumn, winter and early spring when they do not emerge above ground.[3]
Status
The olive-backed pocket mouse is widely distributed across the central Great Plains region of Canada and the United States. It is present in many protected areas, it is common, it faces no major threats and its population seems to be steady. For these reasons, the IUCN has listed the species as being of "least concern".[1]
References
- ^ a b Template:IUCN2008 Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
- ^ Manning, Richard W.; Jones, J. Knox Jr. (1988). "Perognathus fasciatus". Mammalian Species. 303: 1–4. doi:10.2307/3504144. JSTOR 3504144.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Gummer, David L.; Kissner, Kelley J. (2003-03-01). "Olive-backed Pocket Mouse (Perognathus fasciatus}" (PDF). Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 86. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)