Yellow-necked mouse

The yellow-necked mouse, also known by several other names including the yellow-necked field mouse, yellow-necked wood mouse, and South China field mouse, is a fascinating small mammal often mistaken for the wood mouse. It was first identified as a separate species in 1894, distinguished by unique features such as a distinctive yellow band of fur around its neck, slightly larger ears, and a greater overall size. Measuring approximately 100 mm in length, this mouse is an adept climber, frequently scaling trees and occasionally seeking shelter in houses during the winter months.

Primarily inhabiting the mountainous regions of southern Europe, the yellow-necked mouse's range extends into parts of Scandinavia and Britain. It plays a significant ecological role but is noteworthy because it can transmit tick-borne encephalitis to humans and serves as a reservoir for the Dobrava virus—a hantavirus that causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.

Regarding classification, Apodemus ponticus is likely just another name for Apodemus flavicollis. The former is found in the Soviet Union, while the latter is observed in Western Europe. Visually, the yellow-necked mouse resembles the wood mouse but differs with a longer tail, larger ears, and the complete yellow band of fur around its neck.

These mice are distributed across Europe and western Asia, favoring woodland areas with an abundance of nut-bearing trees like oaks and hazels. Nocturnal and active year-round, they feed on a diet of various plant materials and small invertebrates. Their breeding season spans from February to October, with females capable of multiple pregnancies annually.

Interestingly, research has shown that while the yellow-necked mouse can transmit the tick-borne encephalitis virus, it remains immune to the disease itself. It also acts as a reservoir for the Dobrava virus, which can cause severe hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in humans. Despite these concerning aspects, the yellow-necked mouse is quite common in suitable habitats and maintains stable populations. Due to its wide range and absence of significant threats, it is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List.