Dusky Hopping-mouse - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Notomys fuscus

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Gazetted date: 25 Jun 2004

Profile last updated: 07 Sep 2017

Description

A medium-sized mouse with long back legs, large ears and a long, tufted tail. Colour is pale orange above, white below.

Distribution

Formerly presumed extinct in NSW, the species was rediscovered in Sturt National Park in the State's far north west corner in 2003. Since then, the species has been recorded from around 50km south of Sturt National Park, and from around 80km north of Broken Hill. More recently, a single individual was found killed by a cat in the Broken Hill urban area.

Habitat and ecology

Nocturnal and terrestrial, feeding primarily of seeds, and also green vegetation insects. Does not need to drink.
Most records are from sand dunes, hills and ridges associated with perennial Sandhill Canegrass (Zygochloa paradoxa), Dillon Bush (Nitraria billardierei) and Acacia species, characteristic of the Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields Bioregion. In contrast, the southern-most record in NSW was from the Broken Hill Complex Bioregion, and collected in Bluebush (Maireana pyramidata) chenopod shrubland near a drainage line with River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Prickly Wattle (Acacia victoriae) and Western Boobiala (Myoporum montanum).
Live in stable colonies of up to five individuals in a burrow system.
Forages on open sand areas, rarely venturing into surrounding habitats.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Predation by cats and foxes, particularly in areas where dingoes are excluded.
Overgrazing by domestic stock impacting grass cover needed for shelter from predation and for seed.
Grazing impacts associated with rabbits and goats.
Lack of knowledge on abundance, pest abundance and habitat quality.
Browsing by goats (pest and commercial) impacting grass cover needed for seed for food and shelter from predation.
Overgrazing by kangaroos impacting grass cover needed for shelter from predation and for seed. This threat is increased in areas where dingoes are excluded.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Control vertebrate pest populations, e.g. foxes, cats and rabbits, which either prey on, or compete with this species for resources.
Reduce stock intensity of, or exclude grazing in, some areas to allow regeneration of vegetation for habitat, such as nest sites and food sources.
Retain understorey shrubs and ensure their complete life cycle.
Report any new populations to the Department of Environment and Conservation.
Implement fire management that promotes and protects habitat areas.

Information sources

Dickman, C.R. (1993) The biology and management of native rodents of the arid zone in New South Wales. Species Management Report Number 12. New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
Ellis, M. (1993) Extension to the known range of the Fawn Hopping-mouse Notomys cervinus in New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 29: 77-78.
Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2010) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. (Oxford University Press, South Melbourne)
Moseby, K.E., Brandle, R. and Adams, M. (1999) Distribution, habitat and conservation status of the rare dusky hopping-mouse, Notomys fuscus (Rodentia: Muridae)’, Wildlife Research 26: 479-494.
NSW Scientific Committee (2004) Dusky Hopping-mouse. Endangered species determination - final.
Owens, H.M., Moseby, K.E. and Brandle, R. (2008) Dusky Hopping-mouse Notomys fuscus (Jones 1925). Pp 602-604 in Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. (eds) The Mammals of Australia (3rd ed.), (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
Watts, C.H.S. (1972) Handbook of South Australian Rodents and Small Marsupials. Field Naturalists Society of South Australia, Adelaide.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range Outwash	Predicted	None
Broken Hill Complex	Mootwingee Downs	Known	None
Channel Country	Core Ranges	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Sturt Stony Desert	Predicted	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields	Strzelecki Desert	Known	None