Commonly Observed Native Animals in the NT
Spinifex hopping mouse (Notomys alexis)
Family: Muridae
Other names: Brown hopping mouse, Northern hopping mouse.
Indigenous names: Dargawarra, Tarkawarra.
Conservation Status
- Australia: Least Concern
- NT: Least Concern
Description
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. These features allow the mice to move quickly in bounding and zig-zag like motions which helps them escape predators.
They are nocturnal and shelter from the heat of the day in small burrows.
They have big black eyes, light brown fur with a grey to white underbelly and a throat pouch. It is thought that secretions from the skin on the neck may be important for social interactions. This species looks very similar to the Northern hopping mouse (Notomys aquilo) but differs in its distribution, with the latter found only in coastal habitats in a small area of north-east NT and far northern QLD.
Distribution
Spinifex hopping mice are found throughout much of the arid zone in central and western Australia on sandy soils in Mulga habitat. While their range has decreased in central Queensland the species is still common in its distribution in the NT.
Ecology
The Spinifex hopping mouse grows to about 9-13cm in length and 35 grams in weight. Populations fluctuate greatly depending on rainfall events. In dry years, their numbers drop dramatically and they are restricted to sandy habitats; but when it rains, food becomes more abundant and they extend into other habitats.
Their diet consists of seeds, roots, green shoots and invertebrates.
The Spinifex hopping mouse normally lives in small family groups which huddle together in burrows to keep themselves warm in cooler months.
Breeding can be all year around but is predominantly in spring with a gestation period of only 32-41 days. Litters can range from 3-4 (typical) up to 6 babies which remain in the burrow while the mother forages for them. Young are sexually mature after only two and a half months.
Potential Threats
While the population fluctuates greatly this is not seen as a threat as in good years populations erupt. A localised threat to the Spinifex hopping mouse is the feral cat which preys on the species. At the Arid Recovery Reserve in SA there was found to be a difference of five times more hopping mice inside the predator free reserve than outside.
