Pilliga 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 pilligaensis

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

The Pilliga Mouse is a small native murid rodent. Its was first described as a distinct taxon by Fox and Briscoe in 1980, which was confirmed by Briscoe et al. (1981) who considered it most closely related to the New Holland Mouse P. novaehollandiae and the Delicate Mouse P. delicatulus. However, recent unpublished analyses question this specific status of the Pilliga Mouse, instead assigning it to P. delicatulus, possibly with genetic introgression from P. novaehollandiae (F. Ford pers comm.)

Distribution

Distribution restricted to the Pilliga region of New South Wales. However, a Pilliga Mouse was reportedly trapped in the Warrumbungles after a major wildifire in January 2013, suggesting a sparse local population may have previously existed that could now respond to early stages of the post-fire succession.

Habitat and ecology

The Pilliga Mouse typically occurs at low densities and appears to prefer areas with sparse ground cover. Evidence exists of marked population fluctuations.
Within the Pilliga region this species is largely restricted to low-nutrient deep sand soils which are recognised as supporting a distinctive vegetation type referred to as the Pilliga Scrub. Recent studies indicate that the Pilliga Mouse is found in greatest abundance in recently burnt moist gullies, areas dominated by broombush and areas containing an understorey of kurricabah (Acacia burrowii) with a bloodwood (Corymbia trachyphloia) overstorey. Consistent features of the latter two habitats were: a relatively high plant species richness; a moderate to high density of low-level shrub cover; and a moist groundcover of plants, litter and fungi. The gully where the highest rates of capture were encountered had an extensive cover of low grasses and sedges, with little shrub cover and large areas of ash-covered ground.
It is nocturnal, seeking refuge in burrows.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Brigalow Belt South

Threats

Logging operations in areas containing key habitat elements of >30% cover of low shrubs below 50cm in height; absence of tall understorey at 2m height, >20 cm sand depth, floristic indicators.
Inappropriate level of Broombush harvesting.
Inappropriate fire regimes.
Predation - by feral predators (fox, cat and pig) may also influence the continued existence of this species.
Competition from feral House Mouse populations.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 6 priority actions to help recover the Pilliga Mouse in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Control of vertebrate pest populations, e.g. foxes, cats, mice and pigs, which either prey on, or compete against this species for resources.
Ensure any fire management plans for the area accommodate the species needs.
Ensure forestry logging operations do not disturb identified habitat.
Prevent clearing of habitat such as nesting sites.
Develop a Broombush harvesting management and burning plan that caters for the species requirements.

Information sources

Fox, B.J. (1995) Pilliga Mouse Pseudomys pilligaensis. P. 616 in Strahan, R. (ed.) The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books, Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Brigalow Belt South	Liverpool Plains	Predicted	None
Brigalow Belt South	Pilliga	Known	None
Brigalow Belt South	Pilliga Outwash	Known	None

Images

Pilliga Mouse Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

Nature conservation

Threatened species