Other Names: Dargawarra
Scientific Name: Notomys alexis
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Body Length: 9.5–11.2 cm
Weight: 27–45 g
Gestation: 32 days
Number of young: 3–4
Distribution: Central and Western Australia
Habitat: Arid regions
Description: The Spinifex Hopping-mouse has a light brown coat with a grey-white belly. It has large ears and a long, brush-tipped tail that is 13–15 cm long.
Diet: The Spinifex Hopping-mouse is an omnivore and eats seeds, roots, shoots and invertebrates.
In the wild: They avoid the heat of the desert by sleeping in deep burrows during the day. At dusk, they come out to feed. Spinifex Hopping-mice will usually move around on all fours, however, they will hop around on their strong hindlegs to move fast.
Threats: Habitat destruction is a threat to the survival of the Spinifex Hopping-mouse.
At Perth Zoo: The Nocturnal House is the perfect place to see the Spinifex Hopping-mouse.
Join the Perth Zoo-coordinated Night Stalk from 1 September to 16 October and spotlight for native animals in your local bushland. Night Stalk is a great way to become involved in community conservation action and to learn about our native animals, their habitat and their threats. Night Stalk is sponsored by Tronox.
Download the Spinifex Hopping Mouse Fact Sheet (pdf).
