(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
OTHER COMMON NAMES - MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE; MOUSE, BEACH; MOUSE, BEACH-; MOUSE and OLDFIELD
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Mammals
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAMMALIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - RODENTIA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CRICETIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - PEROMYSCUS,
SPECIES AND SSP - POLIONOTUS, ALLOPHRYS
SCIENTIFIC NAME - PEROMYSCUS POLIONOTUS ALLOPHRYS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse
Peromyscus polionotus allophrys (Bowen, 1968)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Mammal
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia
ORDER: Rodentia FAMILY: Cricetidae
Peromyscus polionotus (Wagner) is a small mouse distributed
throughout old fields and beach dunes of Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
Mississippi (NE corner), and South Carolina. When compared to other
Peromyscus this species has relatively small body, a tail that is
shorter than the body (less than 60 mm) and indistinctly bicolored,
and a small hind foot (less than 19 mm) (01,02). In the
Choctawhatchee beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus allophrys), head and
body length is 70 to 89 mm (2.7 to 3.5 in), tail length is 43 to 64 mm
(1.7 to 2.5 in), and dorsal pelage is orange-brown to yellow-brown
with white underparts and sides. The width of the colored dorsal
pelage may extend midway down the sides. The tail is relatively
longer than other insular and peninsular subspecies of beach mice
(mean 54 mm, 2.1 in). Pigmented pelage is variable around the eyes
and nose. In lighter specimens, the cheeks and snout are pure white
(03,04,05). The color of the underhairs, white to the roots, is
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
unique to the genus with one exception (06).
The name Mus polionotus of Wagner (1843) was changed to
Peromyscus subgriseus by Bangs in 1898 and later to Peromyscus
polionotus by Osgood in 1907 (02,07,08). Osgood did not have
specimens of Peromyscus polionotus from coastal areas of Florida when
he discribed the subspecies P. p. albifrons Osgood, 1909 (07). Later,
Howell also recognized beach mice from the region around
Choctawhatchee Bay, extreme western Florida, and ocean beaches in
southeastern Alabama as P. p. albifrons, but recognized that there was
a lack of specimens for defining the ranges of various races (06,09).
Bowen's detailed taxonomic study placed the beach mice from the Gulf
Coast of Florida from East Pass of Choctawhatchee Bay, Okaloosa
County, eastward to St. Andrew's Bay, Bay County, in the subspecies
P. p. allophrys Bowen, 1968 (02,03). Systematic studies of P. p.
allophrys, using biochemical methods, have resulted in a hypothesis on
genetic drift, and have determined that western beach mouse
populations have the lowest genetic variation yet reported in a
natural population of beach mice (10).
Type specimens (University of Florida Museum)
Holotype (UF 8522), male adult; coast dunes near Morrison Lake,
Walton County, Florida (10 miles east of Destin). 4 October 1962,
W. W. Bowen (03).
Paratype 1 (UF 8523), male adult, laboratory bred from parents
taken at same time and place as holotype (03).
Paratype 2 (UF 8524), female adult, laboratory bred from parents
taken at same time and place as holotype (03).
Paratype 3 (UF 8525), male adult, captured at type locality at
same time and place as holotype (03).
Other common names for this species include, beach mouse or the
spelling variation beach-mouse, and oldfield mouse.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Florida; Federal Endangered
Florida; Officially Listed
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
Peromyscus polionotus allophrys (Choctawhatchee beach mouse) has
been designated an Endangered species throughout its entire range,
pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (50 CFR,
Sec. 17.11). Critical Habitat has been designated in Bay and Walton
counties, Florida (50 CFR 17.95 (a)).
This subspecies is also protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79,
as amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, purchase or posses any wild
animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation, or foreign law; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
DOD -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public land under their control. Also responsible for
management/recovery on Department of Defense lands.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species and to utilize
their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of the
species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Florida
DESIGNATED STATUS: Threatened
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish
Commission, Florida Department of Natural
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
Resources
STATE STATUTES: Florida Admin. Code 39-1.02 and 39-1.04.
Florida Endangered and Threatened Species Act.
1977 Florida Statutes 372.072. Florida Admin.
Code Rule 39.27.04
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The Choctawhatchee beach mouse is of aesthetic value to some
people because of its beauty. It is of interest to the scientific
community because of its beach adaptations and taxonomic
relationships. It has no negative values except to those that dislike
mice in general. It does NOT take up residence in human dwellings.
Housewives as well as the squeamish in nature have developed an
appreciation for this fact and have presently formed an organization
called the Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse National Defense Fund.
82/10/06:47 FR 44125/ - Acceptance of petition to list
82/12/30:47 FR 58454/58460 - Included in vertebrate notice of review
84/06/07:48 FR 23794/23804 - Proposal to list, with Critical Habitat
84/08/13:49 FR 32321/ - Notice of public hearing on proposal
84/10/04:49 FR 39179/ - Reopening of comment period on proposal
85/06/06:50 FR 23872/23889 - Final rule to list with Critical Habitat
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
COASTAL
SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY TYPES
SAF TYPE STAGE CLOSURE
Longleaf Pine young tree
Longleaf Pine mature tree
LAND USE -
Evergreen Forest Land
Beaches
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Choctawhatchee beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus
allophrys), a habitat specialist, occurs on foredune, primary, and
secondary dunes adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico (03,04,05,11,12,13).
Nearby forested land (higher elevated land in secondary dunes) may
also be important as cover to the survival of this species during
tropical storms (12). Periodic cutting of this forested land and then
leaving it to regenerate has no adverse effect on beach mice
populations, but development of the forested habitat can adversely
impact the species. At the present time, Choctawhatchee beach mouse
populations occur along beaches that are mainly uninhabited, but high
density, beachfront residential development in the surrounding area is
encroaching upon beach mouse habitat (12). Usually, beach mouse
habitat is isolated on barrier islands. Shell Island, which supports
a population of the Choctawhatchee beach mouse, is an example of this.
It is a vegetated barrier island which supports beach dune habitat.
However, artificial isolation has been created by man-made canals and
ship channels (03,11).
Beach mice habitat contains sparsely vegetated areas in the
foredune and primary dune dominated by sea oats (Uniola paniculata),
and panic grasses (Panicum spp.) (03,04,05,11,12). Interdune areas
contain cordgrass (Spartina patens), sedges (Cyperus sp.), rushes
(Juncus sp.), and salt grass (Distichlis spicata). Higher dunes (5-14
mm) further inland are dominated by shrubs (Quercus myrtifolia, Q.
virginiana var. maritima), seaside rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides), and
occasional patches of grasses (mostly Uniola) and trees (Pinus
elliotti, P. clausa) (03,05,11,12,13).
Optimum habitat of the Choctawhatchee beach mouse, especially
during fall and winter breeding seasons, is the primary dune habitat
near the foredune. Sea oats (and sometimes panic grasses) densely
cover the crest of the dunes and are sparsely scattered elsewhere (03,
04,05,12). During the fall, the optimum microhabitat of the
Choctawhatchee beach mouse contains slightly more than 3 plant
species/28 sq m, a very sparse cover of needle-leaved shrub (1
percent), and a sparse cover of sea oats (8.3 percent) (12).
Important structural characteristics of this habitat are: A high
density of burrows 2.0 cm or greater in diameter (1 burrow/5 sq m), a
difference of 4.3 m between maximum dune elevation and occupied beach
mouse area, a maximum dune elevation of 8 m above sea level within
300 m of occupied habitat, and the close presence of nearby forested
habitat (0.4 to 0.5 km away) (12).
Burrows created by ghost crabs (Ocypode quadratus), even if
unoccupied by beach mice, are important microhabitat within the home
range of the Choctawhatchee beach mouse (12,13,15,16). Many
Habitat Associations - 1 unoccupied but temporarily used burrows may confuse predators, thus
reducing predation (17). Beach mice rarely associate with interdune
areas (11,12,13). However, higher secondary dunes (5-14 m) covered
mainly with shrubs (especially oaks) are probably important areas for
escape cover (during tropical storms), for supplemental food during
dispersal of young, and for use in times of scarce food in the
preferred habitat (03,12,13,14).
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Forb Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Deciduous Shrubs-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Evergreen Shrubs-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Deciduous Trees-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Evergreen Trees-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General
General Arthropods
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Coastal Features: Sandy offshore islands
G Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands
G Terrestrial Features: Burrows
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
A study of the beach mouse on Santa Rosa Island, Florida,
indicated that seeds of sea oats (Uniola paniculata) and bluestem
(Andropogon maritimus) were the principal foods especially during the
fall and winter. Seeds of several herbs (no species mentioned) were
also eaten (13).
Later studies of P. polionotus in South Carolina revealed that
seeds were important in the diet throughout the year and arthropods
were used seasonally in spring and summer (18). Andropogon seeds were
not found in the burrow entrance and nest cavity of P. polionotus in
South Carolina and plant succession to an Andropogon dominated old
field, eliminated P. polionotus from the area (19,20). Seeds of sea
oats and panic grass (Panicum spp.) were commonly taken to burrows
(inferred from sand tracking) during a study by Meyers (12).
Although no specific study on food habits has been completed for
the Choctawhatchee beach mouse, potential foods, based on South
Carolina food habits information (20) and available plants in the
beach dune (03,04,05,11,12,13) are: seeds of Quercus myrtifolia, Q.
virginiana, Pinus elliottii, P. clausa, Lespedeza spp., Cassia sp. and
grasses; invertebrates including beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and
possibly animals scavenged from the high tide zone. Live animals
seemed to be preferred (and fought over) by P. polionotus in South
Carolina (20).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Home range of beach mice on Santa Rosa Island, Florida ranged
from 0.8 ha (2.0 acres) during the fall in beach dunes (optimum
habitat) to 2.6 ha (6.4 acres) in other habitats. During the spring,
home range in the beach dunes increased to 1.5 ha (3.8 acres) and to
4.3 ha (10.7 acres) in other areas (13). These data are biased,
however, because trap locations were not equidistant from each other.
A study in a different habitat (old fields) in South Carolina revealed
much smaller home ranges of 0.15 ha (0.34 acres) possibly because of
higher food resources as compared to resources found in barren beach
dunes (20).
The Choctawhatchee beach mouse is nonterritorial and considered
to be somewhat social, however, adult females are antagonistic to
immature females at nesting burrows. Mated pairs probably remain in
their home range until death (13).
PERIODICITY:
The Choctawhatchee beach mouse is strictly nocturnal (06).
Activity increases on warm, cloudy or rainy nights (13,21) and
decreases on cold, clear and windy nights (21). Moonlight severely
reduces beach mouse activity (13,21).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The Choctawhatchee beach mouse is nonmigratory. Established
pairs probably remain in the same home range until death (13).
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
During most of the year, Choctawhatchee beach mice find cover in
burrows that they construct (13,15,16). Usually the nest burrow
entrance is at the base of a shrub or dense clump of grass (13). A
considerable amount of time is also spent temporarily in unoccupied
beach mouse burrows and ghost crab burrows (12,13). Many unoccupied
but temporarily used burrows may confuse predators, thus reducing
predation (17).
Beach mouse burrows consist of an entrance tunnel which is
sometimes plugged shut, a nest chamber (at least 30 cm (1 ft) below
the surface) approximately 10.0 to 17.5 cm (4 to 7 in) across, a fecal
deposition chamber about 5 cm (2 in) across, and an emergency escape
tunnel which is always plugged (15). Nest chamber depths range from
30 to 69 cm (12 to 27 in) (17). Tunnel lengths are 0.9 to 1.5 m (3 to
5 ft) from the burrow entrance to the nest chamber (09).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
The Choctawatchee beach mouse prefers to inhabit the front beach
dunes (primary and foredune) during the peak breeding season of fall
to winter (12,13). Surveys of beach mice on Santa Rosa Island
indicated that in the fall and winter, proportionally more of the home
range (16.4 percent) is located in the front dunes (5.9 percent of the
area) (13). Other habitats are used in proportion to their
availability.
Optimum habitat of the Choctawhatchee beach mouse, especially
during fall and winter breeding seasons, is the primary dune habitat
near the foredune. Sea oats (and sometimes panic grasses) densely
cover the crest of the dunes and are sparsely scattered elsewhere (03,
04,05,12). During the fall, the optimum microhabitat of the
Choctawhatchee beach mouse contains slightly more than 3 plant
species/28 sq m, a very sparse cover of needle-leaved shrub (1 %), and
a sparse cover of sea oats (8.3 percent) (12). Important structural
characteristics of this habitat are: A high density of burrows 2.0 cm
or greater in diameter (1 burrow/5 sq m), a difference of 4.3 m
between maximum dune elevation and occupied beach mouse area, a
maximum dune elevation within 300 m of occupied habitat of 8 m above
sea level, and the close presence of nearby forested habitat (0.4 to
0.5 km away) (12). Refer to the section on cover requirements for
additional detailed information. Breeding and nursery areas (nest
chamber in burrows) are found predominately in optimum habitat (11,
12).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
A population of Choctawhatchee beach mice is capable of producing
a maximum of six generations per year (20,22). Actual reproduction
rates are probably less. Breeding occurs at any time of the year with
a peak breeding season occurring in fall and winter (13). This
contrasts with breeding in inland populations of P. p. polionotus
which peaks from February to July (20).
Beach mice are monogamous (23) and remain in the same home range
until the death of either mate (13). The median longevity of beach
mice is 180 days with a maximum longevity of 248 to 297 days. The
median longevity of inland populations of P. p. polionotus is 75 to 84
days which is considerably less than beach mice (23).
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
The female Choctawhatchee beach mouse is at least 29 days old at
first estrus. Average gestation is 23 days and young are weaned when
they are 20 days old (23).
Average litter sizes of P. p. polionotus in South Carolina were
3.13 young (172 females sampled) (20). Beach mice, being smaller,
probably produce fewer young (20). J. L. Layne (as reported in 03)
comments that low fertility rates of beach mice may be explained as an
adaptive trait involving a reproductive physiology more sensitive to
environmental factors (harsh conditions in the beach dune habitat).
PARENTAL CARE:
Young are born blind, helpless, and naked. They are completely
dependent on their parents for 3 weeks. By one week of age they are
fully furred and from between 20 to 25 days the post juvenile molt is
completed (24). Young disperse from the area at five to six weeks of
age (13).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Under natural conditions and in ideal habitat, the beach mouse
population is limited mainly by predation and natural catastrophes
(hurricanes) (03,11,12,13). Beach mouse population densities vary
annually with available food, increasing from 2.5 mice/ha (1
mouse/acre) to almost 4.4 mice/ha (1.8 mice/acre) from early November
to late December and gradually decreasing until the next fall (13).
Competition for food (sea oat seed) is mainly from ghost crabs
(Ocypode quadratus) during the warmer months of the year. However,
during the colder months of November to February, ghost crabs retreat
from the beach dunes to the ocean (12,13).
Beach mice live to a median age of 180 days (248-297 days
maximum) (23). Turnover rate is high with a report of only 17 percent
of the population still within the original home range after only 4
months (13). Sex ratios range from 1:1 to 2:1 (males:female)
depending on the time of the year (13). Immature beach mice account
for 40 percent of the population in December and 4 to 11 percent of
the population in June (13).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The Choctawhatchee beach mouse is prey for the red fox (Vulpes
fulva), weasel (Mustela frenata), skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and
coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) (03,12,13,19). Although no definite
records are available, this beach mouse is potential prey for the dog
(Canis familiaris), cat (Felis catus), raccoon (Procyon lotor),
burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), black racer (Coluber constrictor),
and great blue heron (Ardea herodias) (05,11,12,14).
The ghost crab (Ocypode quadratus) is a potential competitor for
food with the beach mouse; however, no negative association has been
found between crabs and beach mice (12). Burrows dug by crabs provide
cover for beach mice (12,13).
The house mouse (Mus musculus) may be a serious competitor of the
beach mouse in disturbed habitat (05,11,25). Under natural
conditions, however, the house mouse cannot compete successfully with
the beach mouse (26,27,28). The beach mouse also has a distinct
advantage with its inconspicuous pelage which reduces predation (by
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
owls) (29,30,31,32,33).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
No information is available.
Life History - 4 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human use of habitats
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vertebrates
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Feral Animals
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals
Adverse Off Road Vehicles
Existing Off Road Vehicles
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Adverse Recreational development
Existing Recreational development
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Shoreline modification/development
Existing Shoreline modification/development
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
In 1926, Sumner warned that the protection of beach mice on the
Gulf Coast was almost an emergency need because of the land
speculation in Florida (06). Habitat destruction from beach front
development eliminated the Choctawhatchee beach mouse (Peromyscus
polionotus allophrys) from two-thirds of its range from 1950 to 1962
(03). By 1974, only small, isolated populations remained (04).
However, in 1979, an undiscovered population was located on Shell
Island just east of St. Andrew's Bay (11) and that population did
survive the hurricane of 1979 (05,12).
Most of the habitat loss was caused by residential and commercial
development, recreational development, off-road vehicle use in beach
dunes, beach erosion, and storm damage (05,11). Alteration of the
habitat may have caused increased losses to predation by feral cats
(Felis catus) and increased competition for food and cover from the
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
house mouse (Mus musculus) (03,05,11,12,13). The house mouse may be a
serious competitor of the beach mouse in disturbed habitat (05,11,25).
Under natural conditions, however, the house mouse cannot compete
successfully with the beach mouse (26,27,28).
Future threats (not previously mentioned) to this species are not
known. However, because of the low numbers in remnant Choctawhatchee
beach mouse populations, a severe tropical storm could destroy the
mice and much of the habitat (05). Habitat used for cover during
severe storms is missing in much of the range of this species (12).
Sand deposited on or near beach mouse habitat from U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers routine channel maintenance program may be a potential
threat to beach mouse habitat
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse,
Perdido Key Beach Mouse, and Alabama Beach Mouse Recovery Plan.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA. 45 pp.
Recovery actions for the Choctawhatchee beach mouse (Peromyscus
polionotus allophrys) are included in the Recovery Plan for the 3
subspecies of beach mice, the Choctawhatchee, Perdido Key and Alabama
beach mice. The primary recovery objectives for each of these mice
are to stabilize the present populations by preventing further habitat
deterioration, and to reestablish populations in areas from which they
have been extirpated in order to reduce the possibility of an entire
subspecies being brought to extinction by a catastrophic storm. Each
subspecies of beach mouse can be considered for downlisting to
Threatened when there are 3 distinct, self-sustaining populations in
each of the Critical Habitat areas, and a minimum of 50% of the
Critical Habitat is protected and occupied by mice. Because of the
extensive and permanent loss of habitat for these mice, it will
probably never be possible to safely remove them entirely from the
protection of the Act.
The following management actions are recommended for recovery of
the Choctawhatchee beach mouse:
1. Protect habitat from further human encroachment.
a. Reevaluate all regulations for public use of dunes in light
of beach mouse needs. Closing areas to human use,
restricting night activities, and prohibiting vehicular
traffic may be needed. Install additional boardwalks as
needed to protect dunes from pedestrian traffic.
b. Maintain predator control programs focused on feral and
domestic cats and red foxes, where needed.
c. Determine the effect of feral house mice on beach mice and,
if warrented, eliminate house mice from beach mice habitat.
d. Utilize cooperative agreements among Federal and/or State
agencies to share resources and technical expertise.
e. Improve suitability of habitat in areas hwere habitat is
available (e.g., dune restoration and planting suitable
vegetation).
f. Use cooperative agreements, land exchange, fee title
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
acquisition, and/or easements with private landowners to
preserve habitat. Monitor activities for private lands
through planning boards, rezoning applications, permit
applications, etc. Encourage ordinances and restrictive
agreements in sales and rental contracts requiring house
cats to be confined. Strive especially to preserve habitat
corridors on privately owned lands between inhabited beach
mouse areas.
2. Reestablish and/or supplement populations by transplanting wild
mice and/or reintroducing captive bred mice.
3. Develop an educational program for the public. Educate the
public about the rarity, beauty, and harmlessness of the mouse.
4. Develop emergency procedures to provide protection to beach mouse
habitat in case of off-shore oil spills.
Ongoing recovery activities include dune restoration and beach
mouse population surveys. The State of Florida has proposed, under
Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act, to conduct in FY 1986 a beach
mouse recovery project which will include re-introductions of mice
into areas from which they have been extirpated.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Blair, W.F., A.P. Blair, P. Brodkorb, F.R. Cagle, and G.A. Moore.
1968. Vertebrates of the United States. McGraw-Hill, Inc., New
York. 616 pp.
02 Hall, E.R. 1981. The mammals of North America. John Wiley &
Sons, New York. 2 vol.
03 Bowen, W.W. 1968. Variation and evolution of Gulf Coast
populations of beach mice, Peromyscus polionotus. Bull. Florida
State Mus., Biol. Sci. 12:1-91.
04 Erhart, L.M. 1978. Choctawhatchee beach mouse. Pages 18-19. IN:
Rare and endangered biota of Florida. Vol. 1. Mammals. J.N. Layne
Univ. Presses of Florida, Gainesville. 52 pp.
05 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Endangered and Threatened
wildlife and plants: Determination of Endangered status and
Critical Habitat for three beach mice. Fed. Reg. 50:23872/23889.
06 Sumner, F.B. 1926. An analysis of geographic variation in mice
of Peromyscus polionotus group from Florida and Alabama. J.
Mammal. 7:149-184.
07 Osgood, W.H. 1909. A revision of the mice of the American genus
Peromyscus. North Amer. Fauna 28:1-285.
08 Bangs, O. 1898. A new name for the Georgia old field mouse.
Science 8:214-215.
09 Howell, A.H. 1920. Description of a new species of beach mouse
from Florida. J. Mammal. 1:237-240.
10 Selander, R.K., M.H. Smith, S.Y. Yang, W.E. Johnson, and J.B.
Gentry. 1971. Biochemical polymorphism and systematics in the
genus Peromyscus. I. Variation in the old-field mouse. Studies in
Genetics VI. Univ. of Texas Publ. 7103:49-90.
11 Humphrey, S.R. and D.B. Barbour. 1981. Status and habitat of
three subspecies of Peromyscus polionotus in Florida. J. Mammal.
62(4):840-844.
12 Meyers, J.M. 1983. Status, microhabitat, and management
recommendations for Peromyscus polionotus on Gulf Coast beaches.
Unpublished report on file at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Jacksonville, Florida. 29 pp.
13 Blair, W.F. 1951. Population structure, social behavior, and
environmental relations in a natural population of the beach mouse
(Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus). Contr. Lab. Vert. Biol.,
University of Michigan 48:1-47.
14 Holliman, D.C. 1983. Status and habitat of Alabama Gulf Coast
beach mice Peromyscus polionotus ammobates and P. p. trissyllepsis.
Northeast Gulf Science 6:121-129.
15 Sumner, F.B. and J.J. Karol. 1929. Notes on the burrowing habits
of Peromyscus polionotus. J. Mammal. 10:213-215.
16 Hayne, D.W. 1936. Burrowing habits of Peromyscus polionotus. J.
Mammal. 17:420-421.
17 Smith, M.H., Barbara J. Boize, and J.B. Gentry. 1973. Validity
of the center of activity concept. J. Mammal. 54:747-749.
18 Caldwell, L.D. and J.B. Gentry. 1965. Natality in Peromyscus
polionotus populations. Amer. Midl. Natur. 74:168-175.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
19 Gentry, J.B. and M.H. Smith. 1968. Food habits and burrow
associates of Peromyscus polionotus. J. Mammal. 49:562-565.
20 Davenport, L.B., Jr. 1964. Structure of the two Peromyscus
polionotus populations in old-field ecosystems at the AEC Savannah
River Plant. J. Mammal. 45:95-112.
21 Gentry, J.B. and E.P. Odum. 1957. The effects of weather on
winter activity of old field rodents. J. Mammal. 38:72-77.
22 Dapson, R.W. 1972. Age structure of six populations of old-field
mice, Peromyscus polionotus. Res. Popul. Ecol. 13:161-169.
23 Foltz, D. W. 1981. Genetic evidence of long-term monogamy in a
small rodent, Peromyscus polionotus. Amer. Nat. 117:665-675.
24 Golley, F.B., E.L. Morgan, and J.L. Carmon. 1966. Progression
of molt in Peromyscus polionotus. J. Mammal. 47:145-149.
25 King, J.A. 1957. Intra- and interspecific conflict of Mus and
Peromyscus. Ecology 38:355-357.
26 Cadwell, L.D. and J.B. Gentry. 1965. Interactions of Peromyscus
and Mus in a one-acre field enclosure. Ecology 46:189-192.
27 Breise, L.A. and M.H. Smith. 1973. Competition between Mus
musculus and Peromyscus polionotus. J. Mammal. 54:968-969.
28 Gentry, J.B. 1966. Invasion of a one-year abandoned field by
Peromyscus polionotus and Mus musculus. J. Mammal. 47:430-431.
29 Kaufman, D.W. 1974. Differential owl predation on white and
agouti Mus musculus. Auk 91:145-150.
30 Kaufman, D.W. 1974. Adaptive coloration in Peromyscus
polionotus: Experimental selection by owls. J. Mammal. 55:271-283.
31 Kaufman, D.W. 1974. Differential predation on active and inactive
prey by owls. Auk 91:172-173.
32 Kaufman, D.W. 1975. Concealing coloration: How is effectiveness
of selection related to conspicuousness. Amer. Midl. Nat.
93:245-247.
33 Kaufman, D.W. and G.A. Kaufman. 1976. Pelage coloration of the
old-field mouse with comments on adaptive coloration. Acta
Theriol. 21:165-168.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Erhart, L.M. 1978. Choctawhatchee beach mouse. Pages 18-19. IN:
Rare and endangered biota of Florida. Vol. 1. Mammals. J.N. Layne.
Univ. Presses of Florida, Gainesville. 52 pp.
02 Humphrey, S.R. and D.B. Barbour. 1981. Status and habitat of
three subspecies of Peromyscus polionotus in Florida. J. Mammal.
62(4):840-844.
03 Meyers, J.M. 1983. Status, microhabitat, and management
recommendations for Peromyscus polionotus on Gulf Coast beaches.
Unpublished report on file at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Jacksonville, Florida. 29 pp.
04 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Endangered and Threatened
wildlife and plants: Determination of Endangered status and
Critical Habitat for three beach mice. Fed. Reg. 50:23872/23889.
05 Bowen, W.W. 1968. Variation and evolution of Gulf Coast
populations of beach mice, Peromyscus polionotus. Bull. Florida
State Mus., Biol. Sci. 12:1-91.
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species MOUSE, BEACH, CHOCTAWHATCHEE
Species Id ESIS054009
Date 14 MAR 96
06 Hall, E.R. 1981. The mammals of North America. John Wiley &
Sons, New York. 2 vol.
07 Selander, R.K., M.H. Smith, S.Y. Yang, W.E. Johnson, and J.B.
Gentry. 1971. Biochemical polymorphism and systematics in the
genus Peromyscus. I. Variation in the old-field mouse. Studies in
Genetics VI. Univ. of Texas Publ. 7103:49-90.
References - 3