Merriam's Pocket Mouse
Perognathus merriami
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Heteromyidae
About
Merriam's pocket mouse is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is found in northeast Mexico and New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas in the United States. Its habitat is shortgrass prairie, desert areas with scrub and arid shrubland. The species is named to honor Clinton Hart Merriam, a biologist who first described several other members of the genus Perognathus, and first elucidated the principle of a "life zone" as a means of characterizing ecological areas with similar plant and animal communities.
Fun Fact
At temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F) Merriam's pocket mouse becomes torpid and in some parts of Texas it may become dormant or hibernate in winter.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Habitat is shortgrass prairie, desert areas with scrub and arid shrubland.
Diet
Eat some greenstuff and insects.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance