Mice

Thanks Christine. It is quite a common species, so I'll assume the tour guide is familiar with it.

Hi Michael, I am not an expert, but that is what the tour guide at the Rock said it was. I have no idea if he was an expert, so I understand if this cannot be verified.

Hi Christine. The photo doesn't show much. Please explain your suggestion of Spinifex Hopping Mouse.

Hi @MatthewFrawley You may or may not know that all rodent baits available for domestic use employ anti-coagulant toxins, either first generation Warfarin, or so-called 2nd generation Brodifacoum, Bromadialone, etc. All cause the dying rodents to try to go outside the house, and to become more diurnal. As a result, secondary poisoning of other animals occurs. The 2nd generation agents last for much longer in poisoned animals, and seemingly can be cumulative in reptiles, at least some of which (goannas) are highly resistant to them, to the extent they would be potentially lethal to their predators (tertiary poisoning). Owls and raptors are very sensitive to particularly the 2nd generation toxins. Studies have linked the prevalence of 2nd generation rodenticides to deaths of owls. You can reduce the risk of secondary poisoning of other animals by avoiding the worst rodenticides, or all rodenticides, and by disposing of any carcasses or moribund rodents, where animals cannot access them.

Animal Welfare is another issue. The suffering experienced by animals poisoned by anti-coagulants is variable (because bleeding sites vary a bit) but judging mainly from a study of pigs poisoned with Warfarin, unacceptable. (That's why Warfarin is no longer used for pig control in Namadgi). It is common now to find recommendations on mammal identification or wildlife photography sites to humanely kill any rodents found moribund.

Ok, thanks Don. I wish I could have had better photos, but they moved so quickly. Thanks for putting the time in as a moderator. Gail