Common Name: Calaça’s White-tailed Mouse

Scientific Name: Necromys lasiurus

Habitat:

Calaça’s White-tailed Mouse is primarily found in the grassy savannas and shrublands of southeastern Brazil, particularly in the states of São Paulo and Paraná. This species prefers habitats with dense vegetation, which provides sufficient cover and nesting opportunities. It is also observed in areas adjacent to forests, where it can find both shelter and food resources.

Physical Characteristics:

This species typically measures around 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) long, including the tail, which is distinctly white on the underside. The fur is a mixture of brown and gray, providing excellent camouflage within its natural habitat. Calaça’s White-tailed Mouse has large ears and a pointed snout, which are characteristic features that aid in its acute hearing and foraging abilities.

Behavior:

Calaça’s White-tailed Mouse is primarily nocturnal, exhibiting active behaviors during the nighttime hours. It is known for its agility and quick movements, which help it evade predators. Socially, this species tends to be solitary but may form loose colonies during the breeding season. Its communication includes a variety of sounds, including squeaks and chirps, particularly during mating rituals.

Diet:

The diet of Calaça’s White-tailed Mouse consists mainly of seeds, grains, and vegetation, making it an important seed disperser in its ecosystem. Additionally, it may consume insects and small invertebrates, adding protein to its diet. This omnivorous feeding behavior allows the species to thrive in diverse environmental conditions.

Reproduction:

Calaça’s White-tailed Mouse breeds throughout the year, with peaks during warmer months. Females typically give birth to litters of 3 to 6 offspring after a gestation period of about 25 days. The young are born altricial, meaning they are helpless at birth and rely on maternal care. Notably, mothers are known to exhibit strong protective behaviors towards their young.

Conservation Status:

The current conservation status of Calaça’s White-tailed Mouse is classified as vulnerable. Main threats include habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urbanization, which leads to a decrease in available nesting sites and food sources.

Interesting Facts:

• Calaça’s White-tailed Mouse is named after the region of Calaça, where it was first identified.
• This species has a remarkable ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, which enhances its survival.
• Research shows that Calaça’s White-tailed Mouse is crucial for maintaining the balance of its ecosystem by promoting plant growth through seed dispersal.

Role in Ecosystem:

Calaça’s White-tailed Mouse plays a vital role in its ecosystem by acting as both a consumer and prey species. As a seed disperser, it contributes to plant diversity and regeneration. In turn, it serves as an important food source for various predators, including birds of prey and small mammals, thus maintaining the ecological balance within its habitat.