A federal judge upheld protection for the habitat of an endangered mouse in New Mexico, dismissing a lawsuit brought by two ranching groups.
The New Mexico meadow jumping mouse historically dwells along streams in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona.
It grows about seven to nine inches long, with its tail accounting for about half of its size.
The jumping mouse is also referred to as the “kangaroo mouse” in some parts of the southwest and leap up to two feet high.
It is nocturnal and hibernates for about nine months each year, consuming mostly plants and small fruits.
The long hibernation period of the mouse means it only has a short window in the summer to breed and gain weight to survive the winter, which requires habitats remain ideal when needed, providing tall, dense grass and forage found only along flowing streams.
New Mexico federal judge upholds protections for meadow jumping mouse
The New Mexico meadow jumping mouse historically dwells along streams in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona.
It grows about seven to nine inches long, with its tail accounting for about half of its size.
The jumping mouse is also referred to as the “kangaroo mouse” in some parts of the southwest and leap up to two feet high.
It is nocturnal and hibernates for about nine months each year, consuming mostly plants and small fruits.
The long hibernation period of the mouse means it only has a short window in the summer to breed and gain weight to survive the winter, which requires habitats remain ideal when needed, providing tall, dense grass and forage found only along flowing streams.
New Mexico federal judge upholds protections for meadow jumping mouse