Where does the yellow‑spotted mouse live? - briefly
The yellow‑spotted mouse inhabits savanna and grassland environments across southern Africa, chiefly in Namibia, Botswana and northern South Africa.
Where does the yellow‑spotted mouse live? - in detail
The yellow‑spotted mouse inhabits arid and semi‑arid regions of north‑western Mexico and the southwestern United States. Its range extends from the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts through the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental, reaching as far north as southeastern Arizona and western New Mexico.
Preferred environments include:
- Rocky slopes and canyon walls where crevices provide shelter.
- Sparse shrubland dominated by creosote bush, mesquite, and sagebrush.
- Open grasslands with scattered mesquite trees, especially at elevations between 500 and 1,800 meters.
- Areas with loose, sandy or loamy soils that facilitate burrowing.
The species thrives in climates characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and annual precipitation below 300 mm. It shows a strong association with night‑time activity, emerging after sunset to forage on seeds, insects, and small arthropods. Burrow systems are typically shallow, consisting of a primary tunnel and several side chambers used for nesting and food storage.
Population density peaks in locales where vegetation offers both cover from predators and a reliable supply of food resources. Seasonal movements are limited; individuals generally remain within a home range of 0.2–0.5 km² throughout the year, adjusting activity patterns to temperature fluctuations rather than relocating to new habitats.