Notomys macrotis
Mammalia · Rodentia · Muridae
The big-eared hopping mouse is an extinct species of mouse, which lived in the Moore River area of south-western Australia. The big-eared hopping mouse was a small, rat-sized animal resembling a tiny kangaroo. It had large eyes and ears with a brush-tipped tail. It moved on its four legs when traveling at a slower pace, or by bounding upon its enlarged, padded, hind feet when traveling quickly. They mainly lived in sand dunes and made nests of leaves and other organic materials. The big-eared hopping-mouse was last collected in July 1843 near the Moore River, Western Australia, close to where New Norcia is now situated, and has not been seen since.
Fun Fact
The last record dates from 19 July 1843 and was collected in Perth around the Moore River and King George's Sound by John Gilbert, who was employed by John Gould.
Habitat
Lived in the Moore River area of south-western Australia.
Diet
Diet of a feral cat, lending support to the theory that feral cats were the primary cause of their extinction.
Lifespan
To be updated