Delicate 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: Pseudomys delicatulus

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 22 Jul 2005

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

The Delicate Mouse is a very small native rodent that ranges in weight from 6-15g. The species' fur is yellow-brown to grey-brown above and white or cream below. Recent taxonomic research indicates that the Pilliga Mouse Pseudomys pilligaensis is either closely related to the Delicate Mouse or conspecific.

Distribution

The Delicate Mouse is distributed from the north-west of Western Australia, across northern Australia to the south east of Queensland. Until recently, no records of the species were known from NSW. In 2002, as part of intensive surveys at 160 sites in the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion, three individuals were trapped at two sites in Bebo State Forest, north of Warialda near the NSW-Queensland border (now Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park). One mouse was in Smooth-barked Apple Angophora leiocarpa woodland on deep sandy soil; and two were found in Broad-leaved Ironbark - Silver-leaved Ironbark Eucalyptus fibrosa - E. melanophloia woodland. These records represent a significant southern range extension for the species. Given the close relationship between this species and the Pilliga Mouse, habitat selection in NSW may be broad.

Habitat and ecology

The Delicate Mouse is chiefly granivorous with the majority of its diet composed of seed from native grasses.
The ecology of the outlying NSW population of Delicate Mouse may be inferred from observations on populations throughout the rest of its very extensive range.
Occasionally, individuals will excavate burrows in termite mounds.
The Delicate Mouse has been found to occupy grassy habitats and excavates simple burrows to 40cm in depth.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Populations of the Delicate Mouse (in the strict sense) in NSW are apparently rare and isolated, such that stochastic events could lead to rapid extiction.
The species is potentially threatened by predation from the Feral Cat, Felis catus and European Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes.

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 feral cat and fox populations around known populations.
Minimise disturbance to known populations.
Undertake studies to determine the habitat requirements of the species .
Complete research into the genetic relationships between this species and other closely related Pseudomys.
Conduct surveys to determine the distribution of the species in NSW.

Information sources

Braithwaite, R.W. and Brady, P. (1993) The delicate mouse, Pseudomys delicatulus: a continuous breeder waiting for the good times. Australian Mammalogy 16, 94-98
Braithwaite, R.W. and Covacevich, J. (2000) Delicate Mouse Pseudomys delicatulus (Gould, 1842). Pp. 575-6 in Strahan, R. (ed.) The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books Australia, Chatswood.
NSW Scientific Committee (2005) Delicate mouse - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Brigalow Belt South	Northern Basalts	Known	None
Nandewar	Inverell Basalts	Predicted	None
Nandewar	Nandewar Northern Complex	Predicted	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None