The understanding emerging from the trapping program was vital for the mouse's future, Professor Jarman said. You can't say what you need to do to conserve it until you have some basic facts about its ecology. Up until two weeks ago we had no real picture of what it ate, which is seeds. That immediately tells us about what may affect the resources it requires. For instance, fire, if it comes at the wrong time of the year, may deprive the mouse of food.
Several projects investigating the mouse's habits are under way.
While we don't know the details of the mouse's role, it has just got to be an essential part of the ecosystem. And while more mice are being trapped, it doesn't change their status as a rare or endangered animal. And the fact remains that the Pilliga mouse is confined to a relatively small area.