Taxonomy
Mus musculus | House Mouse | Luch tí
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Least Concern
First reported in the wild
Pre historic introduction
Invasiveness
Invasive species - risk of High Impact
Irish status
Established
Introduction pathways - 1
Uncertain
Invasive score
20
NAPRA Ireland risk assessed
No
Species Biology
Identification
Dull, greyish brown dorsally, slightly lighter below with a slightly thicket and more obviously scaly than other mice (Berry et al., 2008).
Ecology
Outcompeted by a number of other small mammal species, while not an obligate commensal of humans it is restricted in its range to areas of human habitation (Berry et al., 2008).
Habitat
Constructed, industrial or other artificial habitats
Reproduction
Litters of 5-8 born at monthly intervals throughout the year (Berry et al., 2008).
Pathway and vector description
Associated with earliest human settlements (Berry et al., 2008).
Broad environment
Terrestrial
Habitat description
Most commonly found in buildings. (Berry et al., 2008).
Species group
Vertebrate
Native region
Tropical Asia
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Established - Common. Most commonly found in buildings though not obligatory commensal (Berry et al., 2008).
Native distribution
Species is thought to be originally from the Middle East but found globally other than Antarctica.
Temporal change
Date of first record category
Pre-1900
Fifty year date category
Pre-1500
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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How can you help
Report any sightings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre
Further information
Listed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the SSC- Species Survival Commission of the IUCN -International Union for Conservation of Nature as of the 100 Worst Invaders.
References
Publications
Berry, R.J., Tattersall, F.H. & Hurst, J. (2008). Genus Mus House mouse Mus domesticus In: Harris, S. & Yalden, D.W. (eds.) Mammals of the British Isles: Handbook. Mammal Society, Southampton.