On the high slopes of the volcanoes surrounding central Mexico, the Volcano Deermouse exhibits a habit unusual among rodents: the male stays with the female and actively participates in caring for the young. He grooms them, keeps them warm, and guards the nest almost as much as the mother. This preference for biparental care has made the Volcano Deermouse a laboratory model for studying parental behaviour and biological rhythms. It is endemic to the high-mountain pine forest and grassland zones of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, between 2800 and 4000 m altitude.
The Volcano Deermouse is a medium-sized mouse, with dense greyish-brown fur and a relatively short tail compared to its body. These features are adaptations to the cold of high mountains.
It differs from the Deermice (Peromyscus) that share its habitat by its proportionally shorter tail and thicker fur. Reliable identification in the field usually requires comparison with specialised guides for the central volcanic zone of Mexico.
It digs surface runways under tussocks and loose volcanic rock, with entrances 2-3 cm wide, barely visible among the vegetation. Tracks are very small (less than 1 cm) and rarely preserved, except in fine volcanic ash or fresh snow. Droppings, about 4-5 mm long, elongated and dark, are found near burrows or in the surface runways it opens through the tussocks, and are the most practical sign of its presence.
Pine-oak forest and high-mountain grassland (zacatonal) of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, between about 2800 and 4000 m altitude, on the volcanoes surrounding central Mexico.
Seeds, grasses and green parts of high-mountain plants, with some animal material occasionally.
The Volcano Deermouse exhibits biparental care of young, which is unusual among rodents. The male participates in grooming, warming, and guarding the nest. The breeding season is concentrated between spring and autumn. Gestation lasts around 27 days, with litters of 3-4 young. More than one litter can be produced per year.
The Volcano Deermouse is considered stable within its range, which is restricted but relatively well-preserved because much of its high-mountain habitat coincides with protected natural areas around the central volcanoes of Mexico.
Changes in land use and tourist pressure on the lower slopes of the volcanoes it occupies, although the higher areas of its habitat suffer less direct pressure.
See all species accounts for rodents · Full species index
Mammaling is a free app for logging the mammals you find. You record a sighting in a moment — even if it's just a track — your life list grows, and the record becomes available to scientific and conservation projects.
It runs on your phone with nothing to install. If you like, it adds to your home screen like any other app.
Open Mammaling