Structure of a burrow of the northern hopping-mouse, Notomys aquilo, and its surface signs on Groote Eylandt
Simon J. WardNT Department of Land Resource Management, PO Box 1120, Alice Springs, NT 0871, Australia. Email: simon.ward@nt.gov.au
Australian Mammalogy 36(1) 55-59 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM13013
Submitted: 1 May 2013 Accepted: 5 September 2013 Published: 8 November 2013
Abstract
Identification of surface signs of burrows is becoming central to monitoring programs for the northern hopping-mouse. A burrow system was excavated in a sandy woodland area of Groote Eylandt to confirm it was used by northern hopping-mice, describe its structure, and relate structure to surface signs. The burrow was T-shaped, ~2 m long and wide, and connected to four vertical shafts leading to pop-hole-entrances/exits. The depth of the burrow was constrained by a rocky layer ~0.5 m below the surface. It was occupied by five hopping-mice, three of which were caught. The burrow systems dug by northern hopping-mice are more complex and extensive than those of delicate mice, Pseudomys delicatulus, and the major surface signs (spoil heaps or mounds) left by northern hopping-mice are unmarked by entrances or tracks, whereas those of delicate mice are marked by an entrance and trackways (if occupied).
Additional keywords: delicate mouse, mound, Pseudomys delicatulus, spoil, tunnel.
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