Harvest Mouse

Micromys minutusHarvest mice are the smallest of rodents. Their length, from tip of the snout to end of the long tail, is around 7 cm. They weigh 6-9 grams. They have been encountered in all districts of the region, but they are far less numerous compared to other mice. The species settle in seeded plots, grass and shrubs. Their ball-shaped nests built of grass are hung up on stems of gramineous plants and other herbs, and on bush branches. Sometimes they live in holes. They feed on grain crops, seeds of wild herbs, and greens of plants. The harvest mouse is capable of climbing to the top of the head, winding its prehensile tail round the stock. In the fall, it migrates to haystacks and ricks. It may become an agricultural pest in the years of its abundance.

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