Shark Bay Mouse
Pseudomys fieldi
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 16/07/2000
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 31/12/2012
Population trend: Stable
Other names: Djoongari, Alice Springs Mouse
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 Shark Bay Mouse is a long-haired mouse, also known as the Djoongari. The Djoongari became extinct on the mainland by the late 19th century and the only natural surviving population is on Bernier Island where they inhabit coastal dune vegetation. Little is known about their diet, but like many rodent species they appear to be vegetarian/omnivores.
Threats
The main current potential threats to the Djoongari are fire and the possibility of black rats being introduced to the island in the absence of appropriate biosecurity protocols. The past threat that would have aided in their reduced numbers is suspected to be predation by foxes and feral cats.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:
49
To help compare the relative vulnerability of different species, we have developed a scoring system based on biological and ecological characteristics that influence a species' ability to survive and recover from environmental change and natural disasters.
The framework is adapted from assessment methods used by conservation experts following the Black Summer bushfires to help identify species most in need of conservation action, research, and recovery funding.
Each species is assessed using a range of factors, including its conservation status, lifespan, reproductive rate, habitat and dietary requirements, ability to disperse or recover after fire, and the number and severity of threats it faces.
In general, the higher a species' score, the greater its overall vulnerability and risk of decline or extinction.
Like all conservation assessments, this scoring system is limited by the information currently available. Many threatened species remain poorly studied and receive limited research funding, meaning some assessments rely on the best available scientific knowledge or information from closely related species. As new research becomes available, scores may be updated to reflect our improved understanding.