What species of mice are found in zoos? - briefly
Commonly exhibited rodent species include the house mouse (Mus musculus), the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), the African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides), the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) and the Asian striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio). Several institutions also display laboratory strains such as C57BL/6 for educational purposes.
What species of mice are found in zoos? - in detail
Several mouse species are maintained in zoological institutions for educational, research, and conservation purposes. The most common representatives include:
- House mouse (Mus musculus) – widely used in laboratory and educational settings; often displayed in small mammal exhibits.
- Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) – native to North America; featured in habitats illustrating grassland and forest ecosystems.
- African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides) – one of the smallest rodents; kept in tropical or desert-themed enclosures.
- Spiny mouse (Acomys spp.) – recognized for its bristly fur; displayed in arid and semi‑desert exhibits.
- White‑footed mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) – European forest species; part of mixed‑species small‑mammal displays.
- Rice field mouse (Rattus argentiventer) – Asian wet‑land inhabitant; used in exhibits focusing on agricultural ecosystems.
- Gould’s mouse (Mus booduga) – South Asian species; occasionally included in educational programs on biodiversity.
In addition to these, zoos may house specialized breeds such as the Cave mouse (Pseudomys australis) for subterranean habitat showcases, and the Northern birch mouse (Sicista betulina) in boreal forest displays. Breeding programs target genetically valuable populations, particularly for species with limited wild distributions, to support reintroduction and research initiatives. Environmental enrichment, diet tailored to natural foraging behavior, and health monitoring are standard practices across institutions to ensure welfare and promote naturalistic behaviors.