Feeding Behavior
The Pacific pocket mouse’s diet consists of seeds, nuts, and green vegetation, when available. These granivores will leave the burrow at night to gather the seeds, in order to avoid direct contact with the desert sun. Most of these seeds and vegetation can be found in bushes or small shrubbery close to the burrow. When seeds are not easily accessible, the mouse will use its forelimbs to dig holes in order to find resources. Due to the harsh climate, many pocket mice are susceptible to droughts, heat, and extreme temperature changes that can happen within the day. It can live for long periods of time without water by using the moisture from its food and digestive system.
A pocket mouse is highly influenced when seeking its food. Many foraging factors play a part in a pocket mouse’s dietary needs. These factors can range from:
1. Seed size: The size of the seed can determine how filling it will be.
2. Density of food supply: This aspect can determine if a pocket mouse will have enough resources available within a certain distance of its burrow.
3. Nutritional value: This determines if the food is healthy and adequate enough to last through harsh environmental changes.
4. Predation Risk: Pocket mice living in highly vulnerable predator areas are less likely to scavenge for food and must do so with caution.
5. Type of soil: If the soil is too hard, pocket mice must find other means of obtaining their food.
When a pocket mouse has found sufficient seeds, it will begin to store these resources in its fur-lined cheeks. These pockets can vary in length from three inches (76 mm) to twelve. The sizes of the pockets are determined by the ratio of body length and jumping span. These pockets aid the mouse by trimming the amount of time and energy needed to scavenge over a period of time. Its pouches also allow the mouse to survive when there is limited food or predation risk. Once the pocket mouse has filled its cheeks with the seeds, it will scurry down into its burrow to unload its provisions. These seeds are then stored in certain compartments within its burrow. When the time comes, these seeds will be taken out of storage and used as food for the pocket mouse. If supplies are low, a pocket mouse will leave the burrow to refill its supply. Also, during the spring and autumn months, pocket mice will savage more often in order to prepare for the coming of summer and winter when it will be harder to find food.
Read more about this topic: Perognathus Longimembris Pacificus
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