This endangered mammal is at home in New South Wales and Queensland in altitudes from 500m to 1200m. Individuals grow up to a head and body length of 17cm with long grey fur.
Although the Hastings River Mouse (Pseudomys oralis) is widely distributed its actual populations are few and isolated, and population sizes and range are considered to be declining and contracting.
Threats include;
- Fires reducing shrub habitat and fallen logs with hollows
- Habitat loss through clearing
- Logging of old-growth trees with hollows
- Cattle and rabbits reducing food resources and the shrub cover and
- Predation by foxes and cats
The Hastings River Mouse is a beneficiary of Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife threatened animals funds. Funding went towards scientific research in preparation of a recovery plan.
Protecting habitat
In 2008 the Foundation for National Parks is ran an appeal to purchase land for the Australian Wildlife Corridor. The focus was on 'Kalungra', a property in the New Engalnd region near Tamworth, NSW, that provides habitat for the Hastings River Mouse.
