New Holland Mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) - Reintroduction update 2020

Описание: Pseudomys reintroduction into Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, Canberra ACT.
The New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae translocation/reintroduction by PPC to
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary
Canberra, ACT.

PPC’s Research & Breeding spans multiple Pseudomys species and over a decade of Reproductive Biological Research and Achievements. Comprising;
Silky Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae
New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae
Koonoom Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus

Reproducing multiple generations, enabling reintroductions to occur in a sustained manner establishing & reinforcing wild populations. 

Pseudomys are essential for bioturbation
(the re-working of soils and sediments)
They are consumers, encouraging regeneration.
Pseudomys play a number of key roles in maintaining healthy functioning ecosystems.
Their digging behaviour provides safe sites for seeds, thereby increasing seedling germination and growth.
Pseudomys disperse seed & fungal spores through the landscape.
They provide multiple benefits to the overall ecosystem:
Capturing organic matter
Increasing water infiltration
Soil water holding capacity
Improving soil health

They are ecosystem engineers, 'redecorating' the lower structures of the environment.
This helps build up ecological resilience.

Reintroductions occurred over two years.
Trial releases commenced on 21-2-13
Further releases occurred:
March & October 2013
July, August & September 2014

Prior to the reintroduction into Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, the New Holland Mouse had not been recorded living in the environment.
Release diet consisted of organic powdered formula fed as a supplementation, to promote sourcing of wild foods whilst still providing essential nutrition for survival.

New Holland Mouse Unique discoveries:
Mice have persisted two years post-release.
Preferred habitat appears to be grassland.
Captive breeding of 3rd generation offspring.
Releases fewer than 100 individuals can establish a population in the species former range.

New Holland Mouse:
Head-body length: ~65–90 mm
Tail length: ~80–105 mm
Tail is 10–15% longer than the body
Hindfoot length: ~20–22 mm.

Music 'Beyond' by Ian Post.
Habitat Selection and Genetic Diversity of a Reintroduced 'refugee species':
https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary...

These projects have been in collaboration with:
Saving our Species
FAME - Foundation for Australia’s
Most Endangered
NSW Government
ACT Government
Charles Sturt University - Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories CSU VDL
National Threatened Species Institute a Registered Environmental Organisation
NTSI REO
CSIRO
Priam Psittaculture Centre - Research & Breeding
PPC R&B