Threats to the SpeciesInvasive Species: Non-native cordgrass and other non-native species rapidly spread and displace native pickleweed, which provides critical habitat in the salt marshes and mud flats.
Habitat Loss: Urbanization (e.g. the filling of marshes for development) is the primary threat; Diking and reclamation of tidal salt marshes. Pollution: Urban run-off into the salt marsh habitat. |
Range and HabitatHabitat: Tidal/non-tidal salt marshes; They are critically dependent on dense cover and their preferred habitat is pickleweed. In marshes with an upper zone of peripheral halophytes (salt-tolerant plants), they use this vegetation to escape the higher tides. Mice can move into the adjoining grasslands during the highest winter tides.
Range: California counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma |
Behavior |
Life Cycle |
Salt March Harvest Mice are nocturnal and generally solitary outside of the breeding season. They are extremely docile and can be easily handled by humans.
Diet: In the winter, fresh grass. For the rest of year, pickleweed and saltgrass. Predators: Potential terrestrial predators include red fox, gray fox, feral cats, skunks, and raccoons. |
Spring - Fall
Mating season Apr - Nov Young: 1-2 litters of 3 – 4 offspring after a gestation period of 21-24 days. 8 - 12 Months Lifespan |
Resources
- Salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Feb. 2010. Web.
- San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project. "Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys Raviventris." South Bay Resoration. Coastal Conservancy, n.d. Web.
- "Species Accounts - Mammals." California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, n.d. Web.
- "Species Profile for Salt Marsh Harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris).” ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, n.d. Web.