The pinyon mouse (Peromyscus truei ) is native to the southwestern United States and Baja California in Mexico. These medium-sized mice are often distinguished by their relatively large ears. The range of this species extends from southern Oregon and Wyoming in the north, and extends south to roughly the U.S.-Mexico border, with a disjunct population known as the Palo Duro mouse (Peromyscus truei comanche ) that occupies an area in the vicinity of Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas panhandle.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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OmnivoreAn omnivore is an animal that has the ability to eat and survive on both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and ani...
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GranivoreSeed predation, often referred to as granivory, is a type of plant-animal interaction in which granivores (seed predators) feed on the seeds of pla...
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HerbivoreA herbivore is an animal anatomically and physiologically adapted to eating plant material, for example, foliage, for the main component of its die...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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AltricialAltricial animals are those species whose newly hatched or born young are relatively immobile. They lack hair or down, are not able to obtain food ...
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ZoochoryZoochory animals are those that can disperse plant seeds in several ways. Seeds can be transported on the outside of vertebrate animals (mostly mam...
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ScansorialScansorial animals are those that are adapted to or specialized for climbing. Many animals climb not only in tress but also in other habitats, such...
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TerritorialA territory is a sociographical area that which an animal consistently defends against the conspecific competition (or, occasionally, against anima...
Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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PolygynandryPolygynandry is a mating system in which both males and females have multiple mating partners during a breeding season.
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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AestivationAestivation is a state of animal dormancy, similar to hibernation, although taking place in the summer rather than the winter. Aestivation is chara...
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starts withPinyon mice are medium-sized mice that are often distinguished by their relatively large ears. Their fur varies in color from a pale yellowish brown to a brownish black color, and their feet are a lighter color, varying between dusky and white. These mice have tipped tails with long hairs and a dark dorsal stripe along its length. Males and females in this species are similar in size.
Pinyon mice are native to the southwestern United States and Baja California in Mexico. They range from southern Oregon and Wyoming in the north, and extend south to roughly the U.S.-Mexico border, with a disjunct population that occupies an area in the vicinity of Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas panhandle. Pinyon mice can be found in a variety of habitats. Although they prefer rocky slope areas and pinyon-juniper areas, they are also found in desert, forest, and grassy plains, riparian woodlands, as well as landscapes including canyons, redwoods, sagebrush, scrub oak and cacti. These mice are flexible in habitat elevations and able to adjust to varying climate conditions.
Pinyon mice are solitary and nocturnal creatures. They sleep periodically during the day in their dens. They make dens under rocks, stone shelves and slabs, and in trees. Pinyon mice are territorial. Male territories are larger and female territories are smaller. Within these territories, male dens are usually located farther apart from each other than female dens. Pinyon mice are very good climbers and often forage in trees. They have acute senses of hearing and smell, which they use during foraging, to navigate, and escape predators at night.
Pinyon mice are omnivores and feed on insects, invertebrates, berries, nuts, and fungi. Finding water is usually a challenge in most of their habitats and they adjust their diet accordingly.
Pinyon mice are polygynandrous (promiscuous), which means that both males and females have multiple mates. Females nest in small territories and males try to find mating opportunities with nearby females. Pinyon mice breed from mid-February to mid-November with a peak between April-June. Females give birth to 3 litters with 3-6 pups. Gestation lasts around 26-40 days. Pups weigh around 2.3 grams at birth, and they are born hairless with their ears and eyes closed. Mothers nurse their young for 3-4 weeks, after which they become independent. Females in this species are ready to breed at around 50 days of age, and males - at around 9 weeks of age.
Currently Pinyon mice do not face any serious threats.
According to IUCN, the Pinyon mouse is very abundant, and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Today, this species’ numbers are stable and it is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
