Where does the house mouse, a mammal with a body length up to 8 cm, live? - briefly
The house mouse occupies human structures such as homes, barns, and grain facilities, as well as surrounding gardens, fields, and hedgerows worldwide. It thrives in environments where food and shelter are readily available.
Where does the house mouse, a mammal with a body length up to 8 cm, live? - in detail
The house mouse (Mus musculus) occupies a broad range of environments across most of the world. Its presence is documented in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions, extending from North America and Europe to Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Populations thrive wherever human activity creates suitable conditions.
Typical habitats include:
- Human dwellings: kitchens, basements, attics, and wall voids where food residues and shelter are abundant.
- Agricultural settings: grain stores, barns, and livestock facilities that provide both nourishment and nesting material.
- Urban infrastructure: sewer systems, subway tunnels, and abandoned buildings that offer protection from predators and extreme weather.
- Natural environments: fields, meadows, and forest edges where wild seeds, insects, and plant matter are accessible.
Nesting sites are selected for concealment and warmth. Mice construct nests from shredded paper, fabric, dried plant material, or insulation, often positioning them near food sources. They prefer temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C but can survive colder conditions by seeking heated interiors.
Geographically, the species is native to South Asia but has become cosmopolitan through accidental transport in cargo, ships, and vehicles. Its adaptability to varied diets—grains, fruits, insects, and human waste—facilitates colonization of new areas.
In summary, the house mouse inhabits both built and natural settings worldwide, favoring locations that provide shelter, stable temperatures, and readily available food.