Perognathus parvus (Peale, 1848)

Great basin pocket mouse

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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General Description

Description

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Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
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Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
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The Great Basin Pocket Mouse is the largest member of the genus. It inhabits arid and semi-arid habitats in nearly the entire Great Basin region of western North America, particularly where sagebrush dominates the vegetation. The Mice increase the amount of water available from the small seeds they eat by storing them in the burrow, where humidity is higher than it is aboveground - the seeds actually absorb water while they are stored. Great Basin Pocket Mice become inactive from about November through March, entering torpor for long periods of time. The breeding season begins in April and ends as early as July in the northern part of the range, and as late as October farther south. Females have 1-3 litters of 2-8 young annually, though they may not breed during a drought.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
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References
  • Peale, T.R., 1848.  U.S. exploring expeditions 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842 under the command of Charles Wilkes, U.S.N., Mammalogy and Ornithology, p. 53.  Asherman and Co., Philadelphia, 8:1-338.
"Perognathus parvus (Peale, 1848)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/311575". Accessed 20 Mar 2010.