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.