Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Wood Mouse
Scientific Name:
Apodemus sylvaticus
Weight:
Up to 27g
Lifespan:
Approx. 18 months.
Also Known As:
Field Mouse and Long Tailed Field Mouse Description
Large ears and protruding eyes, together with dark sandy brown upper parts and white under belly, with a long tail.
Distribution
The Wood Mouse is found throughout the British Isles.
Habitat
As the name implies the Wood Mouse is likely to be found in woods, but is also adept at thriving on moorlands, in gardens and buildings - in fact, almost anywhere! They make their homes in tunnels under ground which they also use for storing food. These tunnels may be used by several generations of Wood mice.
Predators
Domestic cats, foxes and weazels prey on the Wood Mouse, as do owls. The Tawny Owl may not breed if Wood Mouse numbers are low, therefore restricting the owl's diet.
Reproduction
The Wood Mouse has only 1 or 2 litters per year, between March and October and they give birth to between 4 and 7 pups. They sometimes nest in trees and properties, but also tunnel beneath the ground to build nests, which are sometimes shared with other Wood mice, out of the breeding season.
Status
Numbers are lower at the end of the Winter, but once breeding begins numbers increase considerably.
Did You Know?
The Wood Mouse is usually nocturnal and has a good night vision and an acute sense of smell. Of all British mammals, the Wood Mouse is probably the most abundant and widespread.
Footprint Description
Forefoot has 4 digital pads with distinct claw marks, giving toes a pointed appearance.3 interdigital pads in a triangular formation, 2 proximal pads. Hind foot has 5 interdigital pads,3 middle toes pointing forwards, with the remaining 2
Footprint Size
hind foot - 2.2x1.8cm, fore foot - 1.3x1.5cm. Stride up to 15cm.
Track Images
Droppings Description
Droppings are around 0.8cm in length, stubby with rounded ends and round cross section.Pale when fresh, darkening with age.Droppings are deposited in prominent places such as branches, and at feeding sites.