Pseudomys patrius
Eastern Pebble-mound Mouse
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Rodentia
Family
Muridae
Genus
Pseudomys
Species
Pseudomys patrius
Status
vulnerable
Distinguishing features
Distinguishing features still need to be specified.
Size
- Size data has not been obtained.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Behaviour
Like other pebble-mound mice, the species is known for building shallow burrows with a mound of pebbles surrounding the entrance. This function is understood to be for protection and dew collection. In Queensland the observed mounds in coastal areas have smaller mounds than in drier habitats, reflecting the need to collect more of the scarcer water.
The species also lines the tunnel walls with pebbles both for insulation and protection. A further habit is to plug smaller opening to the burrow system with a pebble, so as camouflaging the entrance, and can be removed when there is a need to exit the burrow in times of danger. (Wikipedia)
