The diet of the New Holland mouse, Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Waterhouse) in Victoria

Abstract

The New Holland mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) is found in disjunct populations in coastal south- eastern Australia. This study assessed the diet of the species at four locations (Anglesea, Loch Sport, Providence Ponds and Wilsons Promontory) in Victoria, southern Australia, where it is very rare in abundance and distribution. Overall, P. novaehollandiae was found to consume considerable amounts of dicotyledon leaf (27%), fungi (19%), invertebrate (17%) and seed (14%). There was no significant difference in diet between males and females. Seasonal variations in the percentage of dicotyledon leaf and fungi consumed were recorded. There were also significant differences between localities in the consumption of fungi, root and invertebrate material. Dicotyledon leaf was the most commonly consumed food item at Anglesea, Providence Ponds and Wilsons Promontory, while fungi was the most important at Loch Sport. The dietary differences between localities are likely to be related to important habitat factors including vegetation floristics and successional age. The results indicate that P. novaehollandiae is an omnivore with an opportunistic foraging strategy.