Object:  Perdido Key Mouse           Sold

Materials: Stone on Cement Board

Dimensions:  6" x 6”

Method: Direct with mortar

A small mosaic to showcase an even smaller creature. This mouse generally weighs a mere 1/2 ounce (13-16 g), considerably less than my representation of it.

Kalideco's work with the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) has introduced me to some interesting animals. Seeing one of their photographs of the Perdido Key Mouse caused me to do some more research and that certainly determined my next subject.

You often see pictures of them with "hole punches" in their tiny, tiny ears, a method of tagging them for identication. Though kinda adorable, I decided to leave the ears intact in my version. I want to bring attention to them in their pure form.

This endangered little mouse is an important part of the coastal dune ecosystem of Perdido Key in the Gulf of Mexico, spreading the seeds of sea oats, which help stabilize the dunes. They mate for life, steer clear of humans, shun buildings and avoid trash.

Conservation and breeding programs have been crucial to their survival. How can you not love these little engineers?

Here are some great links I found during my research:

The Mouse that Roared - Dan Chapman

The Palm Beach Zoo - Reintroduction Program

The Brevard Zoo - Wildlife Conservation Through Education and Participation

Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Close-ups & Process