A small rodent with extraordinarily long hindlegs — can leap 6+ feet horizontally to escape predators. Hibernates 6–8 months annually.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The western jumping mouse, is a species of rodent in the family Zapodidae. It is found in Canada and the United States.
Source: Wikipedia — Western jumping mouse Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Small mouse with extremely long tail; large hind legs.
Similar species. Other jumping mice. Preble's Jumping Mouse (subspecies; federally listed).
Voice. Squeaks.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Seeds, insects.
Behavior. Western jumping mouse of mountain meadows.
§ Range
Western mountains
§ Habitat
Wet meadows, riparian areas, mountain streamsides
§ Threats
Climate-driven habitat changes, streamside disturbance, grazing impacts.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the western jumping mouse is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Protect mountain riparian areas. Support managed grazing in critical habitats.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Western jumping mouse
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Zapus princeps
- IUCN Red List · taxon 17041
- iNaturalist · taxon 42953
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Zapus princeps
§ Sources cited
- American Society of Mammalogists
- IUCN Red List 2016
