Heath Mouse

Pseudomys shortridgei

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Endangered

Listed since: 7/12/2016

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Near Threatened

Listed since: 31/12/2012

Population trend: Decreasing

Other names: Dayang, Heath Rat

Priority Species? No

The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.

Description

The Heath Mouse is a small rodent native to Australia and lives in species-rich dry heathland and open woodland and forest habitats with a heath understorey. They are considered a generalist herbivore and the species responds to rainfall in a 'boom and bust' dynamic.

Threats

The Heath Mouse main threats are increased fire frequency and intensity as it prefers habitat to be post-fire age of 5 to 30 years. Also, predation by cats and foxes and habitat clearing and fragmentation as current known threats to the species.