Where does the yellow-bellied mouse live? - briefly
The yellow‑bellied mouse occupies the arid grasslands and savannas of southern Africa, chiefly in Namibia, Botswana and parts of South Africa. It favors sandy, lightly vegetated soils where it can burrow and forage.
Where does the yellow-bellied mouse live? - in detail
The yellow‑bellied mouse inhabits the temperate forests and scrublands of the western United States, primarily in California, Oregon, and Washington. Populations are concentrated in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the Cascade Range, and the coastal mountain valleys where mixed conifer‑oak woodlands dominate.
These rodents prefer elevations between 500 and 2,200 meters. Within this range they occupy:
- Dense understory of chaparral and sagebrush where ground cover exceeds 30 %
- Moist microhabitats near streams, seeps, or seasonal pools
- Areas with abundant leaf litter, fallen logs, and rocky crevices for shelter
Nesting sites are typically constructed in shallow burrows lined with dried vegetation. Burrows may extend 30–60 cm underground and include side chambers for food storage. The species shows a strong affinity for habitats offering both cover from predators and access to seeds, insects, and fungi.
Climatic conditions in the mouse’s range feature mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers. Soil types are generally well‑drained loams or sandy loams, supporting the vegetation structure required for foraging and nesting. Seasonal movements are limited; individuals remain within a home range of 0.2–0.5 ha throughout the year.
Human‑altered landscapes such as suburban gardens and lightly logged forests can support populations if they retain native understory vegetation and moisture sources. Conservation status remains stable, but habitat fragmentation and fire regime changes pose potential threats to local populations.