Alabama beach mouse

Alabama coastal mouse ( Peromyscus polionotus ammobates )

The Alabama coastal mouse ( Peromyscus polionotus ammobates ), also known as Alabama white-footed mouse, is a subspecies of the coastal mouse ( Peromyscus polionotus ), which lives only in the coastal area of the U.S. state of Alabama. The species is threatened with extinction.

Characteristics and lifestyle

The Alabama coastal mouse lives exclusively in the sand dunes on the seashore. The brightly colored mice burrow and nest in the dunes and are primarily at night to the surface. The animals feed mainly on seeds and small insects. They keep preferably in areas which are with Uniola paniculata, beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata ) or other grasses and plants covered. Within the sand dune, the animals are well protected in case of flooding by the formation of air-filled chambers in the normal case.

Ecological Significance

Coastal mice are considered an important part of the ecosystem of the dunes beach. As indicators are growing coastal populations mouse indicate a healthy ecosystem. Due to the introduction of plant seeds in their stock clips, the animals also promote the vegetation of dunes, since seeds are not eaten germinate, and thus stabilize the dunes. As part of the food chain coast mice are also larger predators such as snakes or birds of prey as prey.

Decline and endangerment

The original distribution area of ​​the mouse comprised a large part of the peninsula to Fort Morgan, ranging from the Ono Iceland up to the fort by colonizing the coast and the growth of these settlement areas as well as the construction of roads was the range of the animals highly fragmented and reduced. The habitat was further reduced by hurricanes, tropical storms and dunes destruction by visitors. A further decline is to be expected of hunting by wild and domesticated cats as well as fierce competition from other rodents in the same distribution area.

The Alabama coastal mouse is classified as impaired according to their decline and is protected. As one of the most important protected areas, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is paid in Baldwin County, Alabama.