Endangered Hopping mice Genus Notomys Hopping-mice (genus Notomys) are endemic to Australia. Brown or fawn in colour they have long tails and well developed hind legs. Nine species of Notomys have been assessed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Four of these species are classified as Extinct (EX), Notomys amplus (Short-tailed Hopping-mouse, Yoontoo), N, longicaudatus (Long-tailed Hopping-mouse, Koolawa), N. macrotis (Big-eared Hopping-mouse, Noompa), and N. mordax (Darling Downs Hopping-mouse, Payi). The reasons for the decline and extinction of these species was most likely to be predation by introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felis catus), and, loss of habitat. Northern Hopping-mouse, Woorrentinta (N. aquilo) and Dusky Hopping-mouse, Wilkiniti (N. fuscus) are classified as ‘Endangered (EN)’ and ‘Vulnerable (VU)’ in the IUCN Red List. They are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992, Australia. The major threat Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons (User: Stephen Michael Barnett) to these species is predation by the introduced red fox and feral cats, and habitat degradation by feral stock such two species. Recommended management actions include as cattle (Bos taurus) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), as well management of feral animals, limiting grazing pressure and as rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and pigs (Sus scrofa). allowing pasture spells and a patchy fire regime. Other threats include loss of habitat due to mining activities. Fawn Hopping-mouse (N. cervinus) is also classified as Threat abatement and recovery plans are in place for these ‘Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN Red List. Excessive trampling by domestic and feral ungulates severely degrades the vegetated patches of sand in which this species burrows exposing these areas to wind and water erosion. References:

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