Common Name: Apeco Oldfield Mouse

Scientific Name: Oryzomys apeco

Habitat:

The Apeco Oldfield Mouse is primarily found in the grasslands and shrublands of eastern Brazil. Its preferred habitat encompasses areas with dense vegetation, such as transitional forests and savannas, where it seeks shelter and food. The distribution of this species is largely limited to the northeastern parts of Brazil, making it sensitive to habitat changes caused by urban development and agricultural expansion.

Physical Characteristics:

This medium-sized rodent measures approximately 10 to 15 centimeters in body length, with a tail that can extend another 8 to 12 centimeters. The Apeco Oldfield Mouse is distinguished by its soft, dense fur which is predominantly brown or gray, featuring lighter underparts. Its large ears and long whiskers enhance its sensory perception. Distinctive to this species are its elongated snouts and a robust body shape, which aid in foraging.

Behavior:

The Apeco Oldfield Mouse exhibits nocturnal behavior, making it primarily active during the night. This species is known for its agility and quick movements, which help it evade predators. Group dynamics can be observed, as these mice often live in small colonies. They create intricate burrows that serve as both nests and storage for food. Social interactions include vocalizations and scent marking, essential for territory establishment and communication.

Diet:

The diet of the Apeco Oldfield Mouse consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and invertebrates. As a granivorous rodent, it plays a vital role in seed dispersal within its habitat. This omnivorous diet allows the mouse to adapt to seasonal changes in food availability, foraging during the night to collect resources to bring back to its burrow.

Reproduction:

This species has a breeding season that typically peaks between the late spring and early summer months. The female Apeco Oldfield Mouse can give birth to a litter of 2 to 5 young after a gestation period of around 25 days. Young mice are born hairless and blind, relying on their mother for nourishment and care until they are fully weaned and can fend for themselves.

Conservation Status:

The Apeco Oldfield Mouse is currently classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect its remaining populations and to ensure the stability of its ecosystem, which is threatened by agricultural practices and urban expansion.

Interesting Facts:

The Apeco Oldfield Mouse is a relatively understudied species, which makes it a topic of interest for researchers. Notably, it is capable of climbing trees, a behavior not common among its relatives. Additionally, this mouse has developed unique adaptations to thrive in specific ecological niches, making it an important subject for biodiversity studies in the region.

Role in Ecosystem:

The Apeco Oldfield Mouse plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a seed disperser, contributing to plant growth and diversity. By foraging on seeds and fruits, they help control vegetation patterns and provide nourishment for various predators, including birds of prey and snakes. Their burrowing activities also aerate the soil, which benefits plant health in their habitat.