The Smith’s vole is endemic to Japan and is designated as an endangered species. It inhabits widely in the southern part of Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Oki Islands. I like to live in forest areas. The small eyes and ears and the relatively short tail have a reputation for being very cute. It is a semi-underground creature that likes underground but also appears on the ground. It is speculated that it is the same species as the Smith’s vole that lives in Honshu, Japan. It prefers a moist environment and often appears on agricultural land.
Habitat
It lives in Honshu, Japan.
Characteristic
Weight 20-35g, head and body length 75-115mm, tail length 33-55mm. The coat color on the back has various patterns from reddish brown to tan. The abdomen is tan. It has a short tail and the tympanic follicles are slightly small and flat. It prefers a moist environment and comes out a lot in rural areas. Therefore, it may be exterminated from farmers. It is classified into the genus Velvet, Myomorpha, Cricetidae. By the way, the name Smith’s vole is named after Gordon Smith, who discovered this mouse in 1904.
Ecology
It prefers forest areas such as pine forests, deciduous forests, laurel forests, and mixed forests. We also know that we prefer humid areas. Therefore, it also appears in paddy fields, mandarin orange fields, and stone walls that are in contact with the mountains. The food is fruits such as Mizuki and Meliosma. We also know that we eat seeds. The breeding season varies from region to region. It is possible to give birth to about 1-4 pups once in spring and autumn.
Endangered species
The habitat of Smith’s vole is a forest area, but in recent years, the forest has decreased due to the progress of housing development in Japan. Along with this, the habitat of mice is decreasing or being divided. Furthermore, it appears in rural areas and may be exterminated by farmers by eating rice. In addition, many cats, which are natural enemies, are preyed on in human habitats.
Conservation activities
No such conservation activities have been carried out. Currently, the decrease in habitat is causing the division of mice, so it is recommended to install a corridor that does not cause the division of the population. To the distribution area that can be lost It is also necessary to prepare a comparable alternative environment creation.
Breeding
It is now an endangered species and is quite difficult for the average person to breed. We recommend that you watch it at the zoo or go to Japan to watch it.
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