Mus domesticus

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Family

Muridae

Genus

Mus

Species

domesticus

Common name/s

Mouse, Field Mouse

Distinguishing Features

This species is covered in a yellow-brown to black coloured fur above and light grey to pale yellow fur underneath. The length of the head and body is 6-10cm and the scaly tail is usually 8-9cm. It has bulging, dark round eyes on its small round head and large rounded ears. On close inspection it is distinct due to a notch on its upper front teeth and five pairs of teats on the females.

Similar Species

No other native or introduced species is likely to be seen so obviously within an urban or human modified environment.

Distribution

This species is common across mainland Australia and many offshore islands, in both human disturbed and native environments. It is linked to areas inhabited by humans and can now be found in every country of the earth.

Country of Origin

Asia

Survey Techniques

Trapping

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Common, introduced. About 20 percent of Australia is prone to plagues, especially in the southeast grain-growing regions of Australia.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Common

Associated vegetation community

In many parts of the world this species is confined to urban and agricultural regions, however in Australia the House Mouse has also adapted to native forest, woodland and grassland environments. It is even found in desert, tropical and alpine areas. Within an urban environment, they usually inhabit areas where food and moisture is available in drains, under concrete, kitchens, roof voids and garages.

Limiting Resources

This species is extremely adaptable and uses any resources available to food and shelter. Crop harvest, floods, drought, pest control methods, predation and disease will also limit population numbers.

Breeding

In Australia, the breeding season usually runs from October to April, however if the conditions are favourable they can breed throughout the year. They make a nesting burrow and the pregnancy lasts for about 19days, at which time the female may become pregnant again almost immediately. A litter size is usually four to eight young. Young mice are able to reproduce from only two months of age, giving the species an immense reproductive potential.

Behaviour

During the colder winter months they are more of a problem to urban residents, as they take refuge in the warmth and shelter of people's homes. They are highly social animals, living together in small groups. They are curious animals, eating small amounts of any food they can find from various locations. While fairly brave little creatures, they rarely travel more than 10m from their nest. Mice have very poor vision, relying on their keen sense of smell, acute hearing and their whiskers and sense of touch.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

Cereal and grain crops make up the preferred diet for this species, however fruit and vegetable crops are also eaten. Within urban environments they are oppurtunistic feeders, eating waste products and food scraps of any description.

Predators

Birds of prey are the most likely predator of this species. Foxes (Vulpes vulpes ), feral or domestic Cats (Felis catus ) and Dogs (Canis familiaris) will also kill this species. Humans use a range of physical and chemical methods to deter and kill House Mice.

Interesting Fact

The House Mouse is second only to humans in the extent of its global distribution.