Frazzled freya kindle edition by bennett, sandra, budd. The spinifex hopping mouse is known for its long hind legs and tuft of hair at the end of its tail. New childrens book from west australian indigenous artist. Through the eyes of two cute hopping mice lucky and spike you and your young readers will see what they get up to each night as they search for food and. Spinifex hoppingmouse at adelaide zoo meet our mischievous. Spinifex hopping mice are a little larger than a common house mouse. Spinifex hopping mice are nocturnal and stay hidden during the heat of the day. Spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis the fawn hopping mouse notomys cervinus is found on the sparsely vegetated arid gibber plains.
A guide to the care and use of australian native mammals. They avoid the heat of the desert by sleeping in deep burrows during the. A spinifex hopping mouse is a small rodent native to australia. A case of melanoma in a native australian murid, the spinifex hoppingmouse notomys alexis. Spinifex mouse is the heartwarming tale of cheeky, a spinifex hopping mouse, who lives in the pilbara region of western australia. National health and medical research council all information provided in this document is correct at the time of publication. However they are also found in open eucalypt woodland, acacia shrubland and tussock grassland. In 20, victorian regulations for the possession, use and trade of wildlife underwent a number of. Spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis the spinifex hopping mouse is an arid lands mouse well known for its long hind legs and tuft of hair at the end of its. The female usually raises three or four young which are weaned at four weeks and sexually mature at two and a half months.
Spinifex hopping mouse five spiniflex hopping mice found a home at australia walkabout wildlife park, at calga. Hopping mice are completely weaned from their mothers by the time they are a month old. You will need a biodiversity conservation licence granted under the biodiversity conservation act 2016 from the department of planning, industry and environment national. Typically, there is a large nest chamber lined with small sticks and other plant material about a metre below the surface, from which several vertical shafts lead upwards. Annette ruzickabush heritage adapting to the desert. Tyzzers disease in spinifex hoppingmice notomys alexis article in veterinary microbiology 201 january 2017 with 103 reads how we measure reads. Maintenance energy requirements for the plains mice were 529 kj kg0. Spinifex hopping mice notomys alexis have large eyes and ears, big back feet, long tufted tails and move with a hopping and galloping gait. Speaking engagements joel is a popular keynote speaker with conservation, corporate, and civic groups. Written and illustrated by ms macdonald, the book will be available from february 20 in bookshops across australia and online from magabala books. These spinifex hopping mice notomys alexis have joined a wide variety of native animals at the park including grey kangaroos, several types of wallaby and emus. While adw staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are.
The structure and function of the kidneys allow this species to conserve water. Like many other desert mammals, during dry times, they can survive without drinking. Torrens, partridge and byron room welcomed special visitors this term to their rooms. For the best answers, search on this site i have had many spinifex hopping mice. Spinifex hopping mouse news newspapers books scholar jstor october 2007 learn how and when to remove this template. These features allow the mice to move quickly in bounding and zigzag like motions which helps them escape predators. Spinifex hopping mouse predators like comment share lives in the spinifex hopping mouse lives in central australia. Spinifex hopping mouse, one of the many cute little. Spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis the spinifex hopping mouse is an arid lands mouse well known for its long hind legs and tuft of hair at the end of its long tail.
Early one morning a little spinifex hopping mouse named cheeky sneaks out of his burrow leaving the rest of his family to sleep while he greedily searches for another tummyfull of seeds. Hummocky spiny spinifex is the characteristic vegetation. The spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis is the most widespread of all hoppingmice and is found in central australia extending. Rodentia, being represented by nearly half of all placental mammals, is therefore the most diverse animal order comprising 2277 species divided into 33 families. A hoppingmouse is any of about ten different australian native mice in the genus notomys.
These plants are the only things stopping our deserts becoming a pile of shifting sand. The spinifex hopping mouse grows up to cm long and weighs around 35g. Spinifex hoppingmice are relatively easy to obtain and can be kept indoors, although, as they are rodents, they do have a mouse smell. Suitable for ages 38, frazzled freya is an excellent read aloud tool for the classroom or reading at home. The spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis, also known as the tarkawara or tarrkawarra, occurs throughout the central and western australian arid zones, occupying both spinifex covered sand flats and stabilised sand dunes, and loamy mulga and melaleuca flats. They are placental mammals and pregnancy lasts 38 to 41 days. The organization of testicular interstitial tissue of the spinifex hopping mouse, notomys alexis differs from that of other rodents. In dry years, their numbers decline and they are restricted to sandy habitats, but with rain, food becomes more available and they can spread out into other habitats. Spinifex hopping mouse australia walkabout wildlife park.
The spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis, which also goes by the name tarkawara, is indigenous to western and central australia. This paper reports a malignant melanoma in a captive spinifex hoppingmouse notomys alexis and is the first. And little bilbys pal hopping mouse offers to help, i will look in the spinifex grass. Spinifex hopping mouse numbers fluctuate greatly and population explosions often follow periods of heavy rain. As a hopping mouse, its living relatives are the northern hopping mouse, mitchells hopping mouse, dusky hopping mouse, fawn hopping mouse and spinifex hopping mouse. They live in central australia and can survive in dry arid soil.
According to alex, not only do their complex kidney structures allow them to manage the effects of the desert heat, but also their big feet. Mammal keeper licence nsw environment, energy and science. Feb 10, 2014 spinifex hopping mouse, one of the many cute little marsupials native to western australia stay safe and healthy. The spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis occurs throughout the central and western australian arid zones, occupyong both spinifex. The spinifex hopping mouse is widespread and although the population fluctuates considerably, is not considered at risk. The noise hoppingmice make is best described as a twitter. Their population is centered in arid regions such as the sand dunes, the spiniflex sand flats for which the animal is named, as well as melaleuca and mulga flats. Their population is centered in arid regions such as the sand dunes, the spiniflex sand flats for which the animal is. You can keep only two species of native mammal as pets. They live in small family groups of up to ten individuals in deep burrows and the wild population fluctuates, exploding after rain. Note the image provided on this page is of a longnosed potoroo potorous tridactylus and not a spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis. The average size litter for this little animal is 3 to 4 babies. Notomys alexis spinifex hopping mouse is found in the arid zone of australia.
Previously, spinifex hopping mice could be kept as pets in victoria australia, but a basic wildlife licence was required. Take care not to fall into a spinifex clump i can attest to this being quite a painful experience, both initially and then over the next few days, when over 25 spiky prickles were pulled out of my legs and hands as each of the virtually clear spinifex prickles the spike tips break off in the skin like splinters became itchy, sore and very. You can get them from some pet stores, you may have to call around a few to find one that stocks them, but it is cruel to keep them if you are not going to look after them properly. The spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis is the most widespread of all hoppingmice and is found in central australia extending west in areas of sandy soil. Every morning, when his family have returned to their burrow to sleep after a nights foraging, cheeky sneaks out again to look for more food and. We have been caring for brown tree frogs, local spotted frogs, spinifex hopping mice and hermit crabs. Lucky and spike by norma macdonald have you ever wondered what life is like out in the desert of australia where the spinifex grass grows and the stars shine all over the night sky. A guide to the care and use of australian native mammals in research and teaching. In this chapter we will explore some of the many structural, physiological. Included at the end of the book are a few fun facts about the reptiles that represent each of the characters, including a lace goanna, velvet gecko, northern brown snake and even a spinifex hopping mouse.
They tend to eat seeds and other small bits of plant matter. Spinifex hopping mice, weighing only 35 grams and measuring 100mm long. They weigh about 35 grams range 27 45 grams and have a headbody length of about 102 mm and a tail length of about 7 mm. You dont find them in the average pet shop and they dont behave much like normal mice at all. They form loose social groups or aggregations rather than related or family groups. All native mammals, including marsupials like kangaroos, possums and quolls, are protected by law in nsw.
Mar 08, 2015 commercial breeding and ownership still requires a licence to prevent removal of mice from the wild. Small at around 30 to 50 g, and light in colour, it is gregarious and feeds at night on seeds, insects, and green shoots, not needing to drink water. Spinifex hopping mice small animals amazing amazon. These features allow the mice to make quick bounding and zigzag movements so they can escape predators. The spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis occurs throughout the central and western australian arid zones, occupying both spinifex covered sand flats and stabilised sand dunes, and loamy mulga and melaleuca flats.
May 11, 2008 a video taken of my spinifex hopping mice to show that they can be handtamed. These are the spinifex hoppingmouse, notomys alexis, and the plains rat. Hopping mice make amazing petsthey are the easiest and cutest rodents that you can get plus, they dont smell and they keep themselves clean. Phylogeny at the family level is still being debated, and more molecular and morphologic studies are needed. They try to avoid the hot weather by sheltering in a deep humid burrow how does the spinifex survive in the desert the spinifex has lots of predators what a. The long tail has a brown top with a lighter bottom and measures 12. The extinct shorttailed hopping mouse notomys amplus was the largest species at around 100 g. This tiny mouse has the distinction of having the most efficient kidneys and the most concentrated urine of any mammal ever recorded in the entire world. It is illegal to kill or take spinifex hopping mice from the wild without a permit. Aug 30, 2009 for the best answers, search on this site i have had many spinifex hopping mice. Kidney function in the spinifex hopping mouse, notomys. A spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis at the wild life sydney zoo. The spinifex hopping mouse a determined migrator pictures.
Found abundantly in the great victoria desert of western australia, n. The spinifex hoppingmouse has a light brown coat with a greywhite belly. The spinifex hoppingmouse is an omnivore and eats seeds, roots, shoots and invertebrates. May 31, 2010 the diet of the spinifex hopping mice in the wild is extremely varied. The spinifex hopping mouse is a small rodent that lives in the bushy australian desert. What are the spinnifex hopping mouse adaptations answers. Spinifex mouse norma macdonald illustrated by norma macdonald. He lives up to his name, showing off and greedily eating spinifex seeds.
It has another extraordinary adaptation to desert life, when the temperature in its burrow reaches above 38o. National health and medical research council 2014 a guide to the care and use of australian native mammals in research and teaching, canberra. Its long hind legs and tail allow the mice to move quickly to escape prey. The spinifex hopping mouse is slightly larger than a common mouse, growing to nine to thirteen centre metres long and weighing 35 grams. The fur color of these mice is chestnut or fawn above, pale below, with a grey wash about the muzzle and between the eye and ear. It has large ears and a long, brushtipped tail that is 15 cm long. Some of the more specific obstacle in native mammals care are.
Eating spinifex seeds near the peoples camp, the mice are confronted by a feral cat and take shelter among the stamping feet of the people. The spinifex hopping mouse has many adaptions to help it survive. While adw staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot. The spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis occurs throughout the central and western australian arid zones, occupying both spinifex covered sand flats and stabilised sand dunes, and loamy mulga and melaleuca flats the extinct shorttailed hopping mouse notomys amplus was the largest species at around 100 g the northern hopping mouse notomys. Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. Spinifex hopping mice live as long as 3 years in captivity but probably much less in the wild. The spinifex hopping mouse notomys alexis, also known as the tarkawara or tarrkawarra. The spinifex hopping mouse has a fawn or chestnut coloured back with a white underside. This spiky, seemingly useless plant which is, in fact, one of the worlds hardiest grasses, is a welcome refuge for a number of small critters in the outback. You can get them from some pet stores, you may have to call around a few to find one that stocks them, but it is cruel to keep them if. The life expectancy for spinifex hopping mice is 3 to 4 years.
A spinifex hopping mouse on eurardy reserve displays its long tail. They display many adaptations that equip them to survive in a hot and arid environment. Please wash your hands and practise social distancing. Spinifex hopping mice live in small family groups in deep, humid burrow systems. It has long hind legs with long feet, which enable it to move with a hopping motion rather than running like other mice. Kidney function in the spinifex hopping mouse, notomys alexis. But on encountering a blockage in their burrow they squeak to enlist the help of other hopping mice. The ears, feet and nose are pink with the eyes being large and black. Consequently, it is an ideal choice for anyone wishing.
A guide to the care and use of australian native mammals in. Monotremes 8 echidna 8 platypus 12 subclass theria. Author margaret spurling this is her first childrens book and illustrator danny snell whose tail is that. We have been closely observing these animals and documenting what we saw the animals doing in many different ways. Harvest mouse micromys minutus husbandry guidelines penny rudd 1998. Spinifex hoppingmice are relatively easy to obtain and can be kept indoors, although. Spinifex hopping mice australian wildlife brisbane. Spinifex spinifex is a type of grass with stiff,spiky leaves. Spinifex hopping mice, weighing only 35 grams and measuring 100mm long are naturally found in the. For most species old records show a much wider, less fragmented range.
A guide to the care of spinifex hopping mice page 9 27. Cheeky is an adventurous little mouse who loves to leap high into the air and practice acrobatic tricks. The spinifex hopping mouse, notomys alexis, is widespread in the arid zone of central and western australia. Table of contents glossary of terms and phrases 3 purpose of the guide 5 general considerations 6 suitability for research and teaching 6 sources 7 subclass prototheria. The next challenge they face is a barking owl that swoops down on them. Spinifex mouse is the tale of a cheeky, spinifex hopping mouse who lives in the pilbara region of western australia. Comprehensive teacher notes for this book are available at no extra charge, please request when ordering. Spinifex mouse by norma macdonald 9781925360691 booktopia. The hopping mouse is the generic name for about ten different australian mice. As with all hopping mice, their hind legs are greatly elongated, the fore limbs small, and the brushtipped tail is very long. They are rodents, not marsupials, and their ancestors are thought to have arrived from asia about 5 million years ago all are brown or fawn, fading to pale grey or white underneath, have very long tails and, as the common name implies, welldeveloped hind legs.