A small desert mouse. Common in southwestern deserts. Important prey for hawks, owls, and snakes.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The cactus mouse or cactus deermouse is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is a species of the genus Peromyscus, a closely related group of New World mice often called "deermice". They are native to desert areas of western North America.
Source: Wikipedia — Cactus mouse Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Small grayish-brown mouse with darker dorsal stripe; white belly; long tail.
Similar species. Other Peromyscus species.
Voice. Squeaks.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Seeds, insects, occasional fruits.
Behavior. Common southwestern desert mouse. Survives extreme heat by entering daily torpor.
§ Range
Southwestern US deserts
§ Habitat
Desert rocky habitats, cactus areas
§ Threats
Habitat loss to urban development.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the cactus mouse is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support desert conservation. Skip rodenticides.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Cactus mouse
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Peromyscus eremicus
- IUCN Red List · taxon 42619
- iNaturalist · taxon 42953
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Peromyscus eremicus
§ Sources cited
- American Society of Mammalogists
- IUCN Red List 2016
