Anastasia Island Beach Mouse

Where Found

The Anastasia Island Beach Mouse (Peromyscus polionotus phasma) is listed as a federally endangered species. They live in the sand dunes of Anastasia Island and on the unnamed barrier island north of St. Augustine Inlet at the Guana Tolamato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve.

About the AIBM

They have a light buff-colored back, pure white underparts, and indistinct, white markings on their nose and face. The Anastasia Island Beach Mouse depends on a diet of sea oats and dune panic grass and coincidently inhabits the sand dunes where these species grow. They dig burrows for nesting and food storage and sometimes they will live in an old Ghost Crab hole.

Threats

The Anastasia Island Beach Mouse is primarily threatened by beach and residential development, which has eliminated suitable habitat. Predators such as raccoons, skunks, snakes, great-blue herons, dogs, and cats pursue the species. Other predators include house mice and free-ranging house cats. Status: Endangered.