Muridae, from Latin mus (“mouse”), in reference to the fact that these animals are mice, as all true mice belong to the family.

Common names of members

True mice.

Distribution  

Throughout Eurasia, Africa, and Australia.

Size

These are little animals that are usually about 10 cm long (not including the tail), while certain species can reach lengths of up to 50 cm. 

Morphology

Although there is much variety in their general characteristics, they usually have thin bodies with scaled tails that are longer than the body and pointed snouts with noticeable whiskers. To enhance their capacity to climb, some murids have developed prehensile tails and wide feet, whereas others have neither adaptation. Some murids have even gone so far as to extend their legs and feet. They are often some shade of brown, though many of them have markings that are black, grey, or white.

Habitat & Ecology

They live in many different types of environments, including tundras and tropical rainforest. There are species that are semiaquatic, fossorial, and arboreal, but the majority are terrestrial.

Diet

These species have a wide variety of eating patterns, from herbivorous and omnivorous species to specialists who only eat specific types of fungi, aquatic insects, or earthworms. The majority of species eat small invertebrates and plant matter; they frequently store seeds and other plant materials for eating in the winter. 

Reproduction 

While some species are reclusive, others are quite gregarious. Females typically give birth to multiple litters each year. In warm climates, breeding may take place all year round. Despite the fact that most genera have lifespans of less than two years, they have a high capacity for reproduction. When food supplies run out, their populations tend to grow quickly before experiencing a sharp decrease. This frequently occurs in cycles of three to four years.

Species known in Hong Kong

9

Total species known

834

Species in the collection

6

Species in Hong Kong

9

Reference

Macdonald, D. W. (2006). The Encyclopedia of mammals. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780199206087.001.0001.

Savage, R. J. G., Long, M. R. (1986). Mammal Evolution: an illustrated guide. Facts on File.

Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (2005). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Johns Hopkins University Press.