Plains Mice

Where does a plains mouse live?

The range of the plains mouse within Southern Australia has been reduced significantly since colonisation. Some estimates place this reduction at as much as 90%.

Much of their current habitat is in cracking clay soils. In predator free areas they will also live in dunes.

What does a plains mouse eat?

Plains mice are omnivores. Their varied diet includes seeds, plants and insects.

All of their water needs can be obtained from the food that they eat.

What kind of behaviours are exhibited by a plains mouse?

Plains mice live in a system of burrows dug in the soil. These complex systems sit at a shallow depth. A group of up to 20 individuals may share the burrow complex.

When frightened they produce a range of calls including a chirp and squeal.

These animals will breed following periods of heavy rainfall. An average litter has three to four young though more is possible. Litters of two to six have been recorded at Wilbur's Wildlife.

What predators hunt the plains mouse?

Plains mice are popular prey for a range of larger species such raptors.

Introduced species such as foxes and cats have a large impact on their population. Grazing stock species will also cause damage to their burrows.

What are some fun facts about the plains mouse?

They are also known as the plains rat.