The Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola) is a subspecies of cotton mouse endemic to the island of Key Largo, Florida, and is the only Peromyscus species present in the Florida Keys (Schwartz 1952). The Key Largo cotton mouse is larger and more reddish in appearance than other subspecies in Florida. In these zones, water and electricity expansion is prohibited in order to protect the Key Largo cotton mouse and other endangered species. Although historically the Key Largo cotton mouse was once found as far south as Plantation Key, near Tavernier, they are now only found in a confined area north of the U.S. 1-C.R. Key Largo cotton mice have a dark hazel back with reddish brown sides, a white belly, white feet, and a tail that is brown on top and white on the bottom (Florida Natural Areas Inventory 2001). Misses size: Medium. These rodents are endemic to Key Largo, Monroe Co., Florida, and [2], Because the population of Key Largo cotton mice is small, many of their behavioral characteristics are inferred from the cotton mouse. While the historic range of the Key Largo cotton mouse spanned both Key Largo and Plantation Key, as of 1999 the species was only found in the northern region of Key Largo. 1982. Isolated populations have reduced gene flow which leads to lower genetic diversity, and potentially lower survival (U.S. (2006, June 8). Key Largo cotton mouse* Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola: Endemic to tropical hardwood hammocks on Key Largo; restricted to the northernmost portion of Key Largo: The mice can move at leasttwo km (6,400 ft.) in 1-2 days. More research is needed to know which berries more specifically are eaten by Key Largo cotton mice. USFWS Refuges on which the Key Largo cotton mouse is reported. Fish & Wildlife Service Species Conservation Guidelines, U.S. [3], Photo of Key Largo Cotton Mouse (see page 3). Fish & Wildlife Service. Explains everything about cotton mouse, member of the Rodentia order and; USFWS Refuges on which the Key Largo cotton mouse is reported. Key Largo cotton mouse - ENDANGERED. The genus Peromyscus comprises 49 species. Introduction •Sub-species •Endemic •Historically ranged throughout the island •Over two-thirds of historic habitat lost http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/five_year_review/doc2378.pdf, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. PHOTO: fws.gov. Save the Key Largo Cotton Mouse Pictures of the Save the Key Largo Cotton Mouse. The Key Largo population of the cotton mouse constructs nests in hollow tree stumps, fallen logs, and crevices in limestone outcrops (Barbour and Humphrey 1982). i love key largo cotton mice because they are so cute and so cuttly looking. U.S. Field guide to the rare animals of Florida. Read More. [2], Key Largo cotton mice are known to breed throughout the year. This cotton mouse subspecies can reach a body length of seven inches (17.9 centimeters) with a tail length of three inches (7.7 centimeters). Key Largo cotton mice can breed throughout the year and have an average life expectancy of 5 months. 30 of 53 Key Largo woodrat - ENDANGERED. Key Largo cotton mice produce two to three litters a year with an average of four pups per litter. Two specimens have been taken as far south as Planter, near Tavernier, by Osgood (1909, in Layne, 1974). The Key Largo cotton mouse is the largest of all subspecies of cotton mouse found in peninsular Florida (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 1999). In addition to being only found in North Key Largo, the Key Largo cotton mouse's preferred habitat is coastal strands adjacent to these forests. [7] Since the habitats of Key Largo cotton mice are at low elevation and fragmented, the species have difficulty finding safe shelter. Fish & Wildlife Service Species Profile, U.S. The Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola) is a subspecies of the cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus) and is found on Key Largo in the upper Florida Keys. The diet of the Key Largo cotton mouse consists of berries, seeds, nuts, and insects (M. Tucker pers. The Key Largo Cotton Mouse lives in the Florida International Everglades.The habitat of the creature is a tropical hard wood hammock, mainly with mature trees. This page was last edited on 25 December 2019, at 17:38. The Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli) and Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola) are listed as endangered species by the governments of the United States and the State of Florida. The Key Largo cotton mouse was proposed as endangered with critical habitat on February 9, 1984 (49FR 4951) and was listed as an endangered species on August 31, 1984 (49 FR 34504). Breeding occurs throughout the year with a peak breeding season in the fall and early spring (U.S. Retrieved from http://www.fws.gov/verobeach/MSRPPDFs/KeyLargoCottonmouse.pdf. Habitat loss and fragmentation have isolated populations of the Key Largo cotton mouse, which increases the severity of all other threats. Fish & Wildlife Service. Trash dumping (a result of increased urbanization) also threatens the Key Largo cotton mouse, leading to an increased population of black rats (Rattus rattus). They catch all different kinds of seeds. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) & t he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). 620 S. Meridian St. • Tallahassee, FL • (850) 488-4676 In the past, very little research focused primarily on the Key Largo cotton mouse and additional information about this species is needed. Their tails follow a similar pattern being darker brown on top and whiter underneath. made in USA. Both species originally ranged throughout Key Largo, however as a result of habitat destruction they are currently limited to the northern third of the island and listed as endangered species. However, fires and development have eliminated it from the southern portion of Key Largo, and it is now confined to the northern half of the Key (Layne, 1974; Brown, 1978b). Key Largo Cotton Mouse Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola. They’re giant compost piles. The Key Largo cotton mouse is the largest of all subspecies of cotton mouse found in peninsular Florida (U.S. Both are very critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems. Key Largo woodrat and Key Largo cotton mouse Species Assessment Guide July 29, 2013 2 The Key Largo cotton mouse feeds on leaves, buds, seeds, and fruits. What … [1] This range shift can be attributed to the increased urbanization of Key Largo which has decimated the forests of tropical hardwood hammocks, thus reducing the availability of food, shelter and habitat for the cotton mouse. Hardwood hammocks are highly productive forests with a tall canopy and an open understory. Fish & Wildlife Service 5-Year Cotton Mouse ReviewU.S. [2][3], Climate factors also pose a threat to Key Largo cotton mice. Key Largo cotton mice and woodrats are confined to a few locations on Key Largo and the rice rat is found only in the lower keys in Florida. 2012). The remaining habitat of the Key Largo cotton mouse is severely fragmented. Fish & Wildlife Service Multi-Species Recovery PlanPrintable version of this page. [1] It is on the Fish and Wildlife Service's list of endangered species, due to the urbanization of Key Largo. Save the Key Largo Cotton Mouse This animal eats seeds, fruits, nuts, insects, arachnids and slugs.Berries from tropical hardwood hammock trees and shrubs may be an important food supply for the Key Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. One study concluded that the primary habitiat of cotton mice is underground tortoise burrows, presumably for the stable microclimate they provide. The meeting was held to try to educate people about the importance to the ecosystem of the woodrat, as well as the endangered Key Largo cotton mouse. Fish & Wildlife Service Species Conservation GuidelinesU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It is found only on Key Largo in relict tropical hardwood hammock vegetation. These actions include researching to learn more about the species, its distribution, and its needs, raising public awareness of the species, expanding protection to 100% of Key Largo cotton mouse habitat, creating a 500-meter buffer zone around protected habitat, limiting pesticides and other pollutants, and widening the species’ range by establishing populations in South Key Largo and other Keys. Fish & Wildlife Service, Vero Beach, FL. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [2], The Key Largo cotton mouse is currently on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service list of endangered species, due to urbanization of Key Largo. These rodents are endemic to Key Largo, Monroe Co., Florida, and they are distinct from their mainland relatives (Schwartz, 1952a; Schwartz and Odum, 1957; Sherman, 1955). Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola) 5-Year review: summary and evaluation. Fragmentation along its small range also makes the Key Largo cotton mouse vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. Male cotton mice have larger home ranges than females, and home ranges overlap because cotton mice do not defend territories. South Florida multi species recovery plan: Key Largo cotton mouse. Efforts to control black rat populations, such as pesticides and rat traps, often harm Key Largo cotton mice. Key Largo cotton mice have a dark hazel back with reddish-brown sides, a white belly, white feet, and a tail that is brown on top and white on the bottom. 1995. Copyright 1999 - 2021 State of Florida. The Key Largo cotton mouse is the largest of all subspecies of cotton mouse found in peninsular Florida (U.S. Endangered Species List. The Key Largo cotton mouse builds small nests or dens by lining leaves inside logs, tree hollows, and rock crevices. Their coloration follows a pattern of red dorsal fur, dusky brown sides, and white ventral fur. Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola (Schwartz) FAMILY: Muridae STATUS: Endangered, Federal Register, August 31, 1984 DESCRIPTION: A small mouse, the Key Largo cotton mouse is brown on top. Endangered Status The Key Largo Cotton Mouse, a subspecies of the Cotton Mouse, is on the U.S. This mouse resides in a particular type of habitat called a tropical hardwood hammock, and mainly in those with mature trees. [4] Its subspecific epithet allapaticola originates from the local Seminole Native American term allapattah, which indicates the tropical, dry, deciduous hammocks of South Florida. The hardwood hammocks they prefer are highly productive forests with a tall canopy and open understory, consisting of a diverse range of species. PAW PATROL Jungen Mode online kaufen bei OTTO » Große Auswahl Top Marken Aktuelle Trends Top Qualität » Jetzt entdecken & shoppen! “Their nest is a perfect little environment and hosts the Key Largo cotton mouse, bugs, snakes, lizards and decomposes the sticks to add to the substrate. Facts Summary: The Key Largo Cotton Mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola) is a species of concern belonging in the species group "mammals" and found in the following area(s): Florida. The species previously resided in a variety of tropical hardwood habitats, but urbanization has decimated these areas, reducing the availability of food, shelter, and habitat for the cotton mouse. Key Largo Cotton Mouse (E) Eastern Indigo Snake (T) Key Largo Woodrat (E) Keys Tree Cactus (E) Stock Island Tree Snail (T) American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) American Crocodile • Nesting habitat limited • Females must return to excavate nests . Extinct: the pallid beach mouse found only in northeast Florida was declared extinct in 1993 . The Key Largo cotton mouse is also susceptible to sea level rise. Key Largo cotton mice have hazel colored backs and white bellies that camouflage well in their hardwood hammock habitats. This is important because once an area has access to water and electricity, residential and commercial construction projects (such as houses, stores, and restaurants) can be started. Additionally, this species faces many of the same existing threats common to coastal or island species: habitat loss and degradation from coastal development, barriers to migration, habitat disturbance from recreational use and high mortality from non-native predators. Destruction and invasive species such as hurricanes, worsening the threat to Key Largo mouse... 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