A small mouse endemic to Florida's sandhill habitats. Lives in burrows of gopher tortoises — over 200 other species depend on the tortoise's burrows.

Native status: Native to Florida; declining

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 9–12 cm; tail 7–11 cm
Weight20–45 g
LifespanWild 1–2 years
OrderRodentia
FamilyCricetidae

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-sized mouse with bicolored fur (orange-brown above; white below); large ears.

Similar species. Other Podomys species. Cotton Mouse (different range).

Voice. Squeaks.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Seeds, insects, occasional fruits.

Behavior. Endemic to Florida sandhills. Lives in gopher tortoise burrows. Federally listed in some subspecies due to habitat loss.

§ Range

Florida sandhills

§ Habitat

Sandy upland habitats, sandhills, scrub

§ Threats

Habitat loss to development, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the florida mouse is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support Florida sandhill conservation. Donate to gopher tortoise recovery.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • Florida FWC
  • IUCN Red List 2016