The golden mouse: Taxonomy and natural history

Abstract

Although the designation Mus has long been abandoned as the generic name for the golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli), the sentiments of Audubon and Bachman (1841) capture the appeal of this species for biologists today, and its morphology, life history, and ecological adaptations continue to be active subjects of research. In many respects, the golden mouse represents a striking contrast to more intensively studied species such as the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and the deer mouse (P. maniculatus). Whereas these species of Peromyscus can be found in nearly every terrestrial habitat in North America, the golden mouse is much less widespread geographically, generally is more habitat-specific, is less abundant locally, and certainly has not received as much attention from investigators. In these respects, it is representative of the vast majority of mammalian species in North America (Feldhamer and Morzillo Chapter 7 of this volume, Gaston 1994). © 2008 Springer Science + Business Media, LLC.