(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
OTHER COMMON NAMES - MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY; MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO BAY; MOUSE, BEACH, FLORALA; 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, TRISSYLLEPSIS
SCIENTIFIC NAME - PEROMYSCUS POLIONOTUS TRISSYLLEPSIS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Perdido Key Beach Mouse
Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis (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 a 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 Perdido Key
beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis), head and body
length is 70 to 85 mm (2.7 to 3.3 in), tail length is 45 to 54 mm (1.8
to 2.1 in), and dorsal pelage is pale grayish-fawn to wood-brown with
pure white underparts and sides. The colored dorsal pelage has no
distinct stripe. Pigmented pelage stops at the eyes and nose (lower
edge). Tail is white to pale grayish-brown with no dorsal stripe (03,
04,05). The color of the underhairs, white to the roots, is unique to
the genus with one exception (06).
The original name Mus polionotus Wagner (1843), was changed to
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
Peromyscus subgriseus by Bangs, 1898 and later to Peromyscus
polionotus by Osgood, 1907 (02,07,08). Osgood did not have specimens
of Peromyscus polionotus from coastal areas of Florida when he
described 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 also 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 Perdido Key, which extends along the Gulf Coast of
Baldwin County, Alabama, and Escambia County, Florida, in the
subspecies P. p. trissyllepsis Bowen, 1968 (02,03). Systematic
studies of P. p. trissyllepsis using biochemical methods, discussed
hypotheses on genetic drift and on why western beach mice populations
have the lowest genetic variation yet reported in a natural population
(10).
Type specimens (University of Florida Museum)
Holotype (UF 8521), female adult; sand bar east of Perdido Inlet
(Florida Point), Baldwin County, Alabama, 22 October 1961, W. W.
Bowen (03).
Other common names for the species include Perdido Bay beach
mouse, Florala beach mouse, and oldfield mouse.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Alabama; Federal Endangered
Alabama; State Listed
Alabama; Unofficially Listed
Florida; Federal Endangered
Florida; Officially Listed
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis (Perdido Key beach mouse) has
been designated an Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (50 CFR, Sec. 17.11). The species has
this status wherever found including the State of Alabama. Critical
Habitat has been designated in Baldwin Co., AL and Escambia Co., FL
(50 CFR 17.95(a)).
This species is 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, or purchase 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.
NPS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for conservation (Nat. Park System Organic Act - 16
U.S.C. 1, 2-3)/management/recovery on National Park
Service lands. Taking, possessing, or disturbing of
Federally listed species is prohibited on NPS lands
(36 CFR 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3).
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
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Florida
DESIGNATED STATUS: Threatened
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish
Commission, Gainesville, Florida
STATE STATUTE: Title 39-27.02 of the Administrative Code affords
protection from taking, possession, and sale,
except by permit, but does not protect habitat.
STATE: Alabama
DESIGNATED STATUS: Nongame Wildlife Species
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Div. of Game and Fish
STATE STATUTE: Game and Fish Reg. 87-GF-7.
UNOFFICIAL LIST: Endangered; In: Mount, R.H. 1986. Vertebrate
Animals in Need of Special Attention. Ala.
Agri. Expt. Sta., Auburn Univ. 124 pp.
Endangered; In: Boschung, H. ed. 1976.
Endangered and threatened plants and animals of
Alabama. Bull. Alabama Mus. Nat. Hist. Number
2. 93 pp.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The Perdido Key beach mouse is of aesthetic value 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.
82/10/06:47 FR 44125/44126 - Acceptance of petition and status review
83/02/15:48 FR 67520/67530 - Notice of findings and review of status
84/06/07:49 FR 23794/23804 - Proposed rule, list as Endangered
84/11/04:49 FR 39179/ - Proposed rule; reopening comment period
85/06/06:50 FR 23872/23889 - Final rule, list as Endangered
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 Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus
trissyllepsis), 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, Perdido Key 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; 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 beach grass (Panicum amarum) (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 Perdido Key beach mouse, especially during
fall and winter breeding seasons, is the primary dune habitat near the
foredune. Sea oats (and sometimes beach grass) densely cover the
crest of the dunes and are sparsely scattered elsewhere (03,04,05,12).
During the fall, the optimum microhabitat of the Perdido Key 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
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). Beach
mouse habitat located within a range of 35:1 to 60:1 ratio of
forest:barren beach (tidal) distance is also an important indicator of
optimum habitat (12).
Burrows created by ghost crabs (Ocypode quadratus), even if
unoccupied by beach mice, are important microhabitat within the home
range of the Perdido Key beach mouse (12,13,16,17). Many unoccupied
but temporarily used burrows may confuse predators, thus reducing
Habitat Associations - 1 predation (18). 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, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
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, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
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, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
A study of the beach mouse on Santa Rosa Island, Florida,
reported that seed 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, eliminatied 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 Perdido Key beach mouse, potential foods, based on South Carolina
food habits information (21) and available plants in the beach dune
(03,04,05,11,12,13,14) 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 (21).
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). The previous data is 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 (21).
The Perdido Key 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 Perdido Key beach mouse is strictly nocturnal (06). Activity
increases on warm, cloudy or rainy nights (13,22) and decreases on
cold, clear and windy nights (22). Moonlight severely reduces beach
mouse activity (13,22).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The Perdido Key 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, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
During most of the year, Perdido Key beach mice find cover in
burrows that they construct (13,16,17). 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 (18).
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 (16). Nest chamber depths range from
30 to 69 cm (12 to 27 in) and many may be outside the calculated home
range (18). 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 Perdido Key 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 Perdido Key beach mouse, especially during
fall and winter breeding seasons, is the primary dune habitat near the
foredune. Sea oats (and sometimes beach grass) densely cover the
crest of the dunes and are sparsely scattered elsewhere (03,04,05,12).
During the fall, the optimum microhabitat of the Perdido Key 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
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). Beach
mouse habitat located within a range of 35:1 to 60:1 ratio of
forest:barren beach (tidal) distance is also an important indicator of
optimum habitat (12). Refer to the description of 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 Perdido Key beach mice is capable of producing
a maximum of six generations per year (21,23). 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 breeding in inland populations of P. p. polionotus which
peaks from February to July (21).
Beach mice are monogamous (24) and remain in the same home range
until the death of either mate (13). The median ecological longevity
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
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 (24).
The female Perdido Key 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 (24).
Average litter sizes of P. p. polionotus in South Carolina were
3.13 young (172 females sampled) (21). Beach mice, being smaller,
probably produce fewer young (21). 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 their
pelage is completed and from between 20 to 25 days the post juvenile
molt is completed (25). 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) (03,11,12,13,14). 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) (24). 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).
Dr. Holler (35) estimates the population to be 104 (in 1987) in
the primary dunes.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The Perdido Key beach mouse is prey for the red fox (Vulpes
fulva), weasel (Mustela frenata), skunk (Mephitus mephitus), and
coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) (03,12,13,20). Although no definite
records are available, this beach mouse is potential prey for the dog
(Canis familiaris), cat (Felis cattus), 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).
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
The house mouse (Mus musculus) may be a serious competitor of the
beach mouse in disturbed habitat (05,11,26). Under natural
conditions, however, the house mouse cannot compete successfully with
the beach mouse (27,28,29). The beach mouse also has a distinct
advantage with its inconspicuous pelage which reduces predation (by
owls) (30,31,32,33,34).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
No information is available.
Life History - 4 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
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 study of beach mice on the Gulf
Coast was almost an emergency measure because of the land speculation
in Florida (06). Habitat destruction from beach front development
eliminated the Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus
trissyllepsis) from one-half of its range by 1979 (11). Recent
(1985-1986) surveys by Meyers indicate that approximately 1.0 km of
beach dune habitat on the western edge of Perdido Key contains the
last known population of P. p. trissyllepsis. The other population,
on the eastern edge of the Key, was eliminated in the hurricane of
1979 (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
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
(Felis cattus) and increased competition for food and cover from the
house mouse (Mus musculus) (03,05,11,12,13,14,15). The house mouse
may be a serious competitor of the beach mouse in disturbed habitat
(05,11,26). Under natural conditions, however, the house mouse cannot
compete successfully with the beach mouse (27,28,29).
Additional future threats (not previously mentioned) to the
status of this species are not perceived at this time. However,
because of the very low numbers, a severe tropical storm could destroy
the mice and much of their 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 the 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 Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus
polionotus trissyllepsis) 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 Perdido Key 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 where habitat is
available (e.g., dune restoration and planting suitable
vegetation).
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
f. Use cooperative agreements, land exchange, fee title
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: Vehicle barriers erected
around public parking areas to control vehicle traffic access to
beach, dune restoration, red fox control, and beach mouse population
surveys.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
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 Linzey, D.W. 1978. Perdido Bay beach mouse. Pages 19-20. IN:
Rare and endangered biota of FLorida. Vol. 1. Mammals. J.N.
Layne, ed. 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. June 6, 1985. 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 Holliman, D.C. 1986. Perdido Key beach mouse. p. 110. IN:
Vertebrate animals of Alabama in need of special attention. R.H.
Mount. Ala. Agr. Exp. Stat., Auburn University. 124 pp.
16 Sumner, F.B. and J.J. Karol. 1929. Notes on the burrowing habits
of Peromyscus polionotus. J. Mammal. 10:213-215.
17 Hayne, D.W. 1936. Burrowing habits of Peromyscus polionotus. J.
Mammal. 17:420-421.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
18 Smith, M.H., B.J. Boize, and J.B. Gentry. 1973. Validity of the '
center of activity concept. J. Mammal. 54:747-749.
19 Caldwell, L.D. and J.B. Gentry. 1965. Natality in Peromyscus
polionotus populations. Amer. Midl. Natur. 74:168-175.
20 Gentry, J.B. and M.H. Smith. 1968. Food habits and burrow
associates of Peromyscus polionotus. J. Mammal. 49:562-565.
21 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.
22 Gentry, J.B. and E.P. Odum. 1957. The effects of weather on
winter activity of old field rodents. J. Mammal. 38:72-77.
23 Dapson, R.W. 1972. Age structure of six populations of old-field
mice, Peromyscus polionotus. Res. Popul. Ecol. 13:161-169.
24 Foltz, D.W. 1981. Genetic evidence of long-term monogamy in a
small rodent, Peromyscus polionotus. Amer. Nat. 117:665-675.
25 Golley, F.B., E.L. Morgan, and J.L. Carmon. 1966. Progression
of molt in Peromyscus polionotus. J. Mammal. 47:145-149.
26 King, J.A. 1957. Intra- and interspecific conflict of Mus and
Peromyscus. Ecology 38:355-357.
27 Cadwell. L.D. and J.B. Gentry. 1965. Interactions of Peromyscus
and Mus in a one-acre field enclosure. Ecology 46:189-192.
28 Breise, L.A. and M.H. Smith. 1973. Competition between Mus
musculus and Peromyscus polionotus. J. Mammal. 54:968-969.
29 Gentry, J.B. 1966. Invasion of a one-year abandoned field by
Peromyscus polionotus and Mus musculus. J. Mammal. 47:430-431.
30 Kaufman, D.W. 1974. Differential owl predation on white and
agouti Mus musculus. Auk 91:145-150.
31 Kaufman, D.W. 1974. Adaptive coloration in Peromyscus polionotus:
Experimental selection by owls. J. Mammal. 55:271-283.
32 Kaufman, D.W. 1974. Differential predation on active and
inactive prey by owls. Auk 91:172-173.
33 Kaufman, D.W. 1975. Concealing coloration: How is effectiveness
of selection related to conspicuousness. Amer. Midl. Nat.
93:245-247.
34 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.
35 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Memo to: Wildlife
Biologist, Jackson, MS. 1987 Spring trapping survey for Perdido
Key beach mouse.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Linzey, D.W. 1978. Perdido Bay beach mouse. Pages 19-20. IN:
Rare and endangered biota of FLorida. Vol. 1. Mammals. J.N.
Layne, ed. 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,
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species MOUSE, BEACH, PERDIDO KEY
Species Id ESIS054010
Date 14 MAR 96
Jacksonville, Florida. 29 pp.
04 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.
05 Holliman, D.C. 1983. Study to determine the presence or absence
of the Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus
trissyllepsis) north of State Road 182 at Florida Point, Alabama in
the impact area of Project BRS-0202 (103), Baldwin County, Alabama.
Unpublished final report on file at: State of Alabama Highway
Department, Montgomery, Alabama. 8 pp.
06 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Endangered and Threatened
wildlife and plants: Determination of Endangered status and
Critical Habitat for three beach mice. June 6, 1985. Fed. Reg.
50:23872/23889.
07 Holliman, D.C. 1986. Perdido Key beach mouse. p. 110. IN:
Vertebrate animals of Alabama in need of special attention. R.H.
Mount. Ala. Agr. Exp. Stat., Auburn University. 124 pp.
08 Holler, N. 1986. Annual report to the Alabama Game and Fish
Division for scientific collecting permit. September 30, 1986.
09 Howell, A.H. 1921. A biological survey of Alabama. N. Amer.
Fauna 45:1-88.
10 Sumner, F.B. 1926. An analysis of geographic variation in mice
of Peromyscus polionotus group from Florida and Alabama. J.
Mammal. 7:149-184.
11 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.
12 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.
13 Hall, E.R. 1981. The mammals of North America. John Wiley &
Sons, New York. 2 vol.
14 Christian, J.I. 1987. [Memo to Regional Director, FWS, Region 8,
Washington, D.C.] News article by David Finkle, November 23, 1986,
St. Petersburg Times, attached. On file at: U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service, Office of Endangered Species, Washington, D.C. 20240.
References - 3