Kingdom Animalia Class Mammalia Family Muridae | Phylum Chordata Order Rodentia Genus Pseudomys | |
The country mouse (Pseudomys patrius) also known as the pebble-mound mouse or eastern pebble mound mouse is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found only in Australia. It is considered to be a rare mouse and was first discovered by Thomas and Dollman in 1909.
Like other pebble-mound mice, the species is known for building shallow burrows with a mound of pebbles surrounding the entrance. This function is understood to be for protection and dew collection. In Queensland the observed mounds in coastal areas have smaller mounds than in drier habitats, reflecting the need to collect more of the scarcer water. The species also lines the tunnel walls with pebbles both for insulation and protection. A further habit is to plug smaller opening to the burrow system with a pebble, so as camouflaging the entrance, and can be removed when there is a need to exit the burrow in times of danger.