Murines

Murines are murine rodents, the members of subfamily Murinae within the family Muridae, order Rodentia. The group includes many of the best-known small mammals, especially mice and rats. In common usage, murine refers to any member of Murinae or to traits associated with these rodents. The subfamily also contains a large number of genera, including Mus (house mice), Rattus (rats), and Apodemus (field mice).

Native to Eurasia and Africa, murines have colonized every continent except Antarctica. They occupy diverse environments, from forests and grasslands to urban and agricultural settings.

Murines are generally small to medium-sized rodents with slender bodies and frequently long tails. They have incisors that grow continuously and are used for gnawing. They are usually omnivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, fruit, and insects. Reproduction is typically rapid, with multiple litters per year and short gestation, contributing to wide population numbers and frequent movements between habitats. Many murines are nocturnal or crepuscular and live in social groups, though habits vary by species.

Significance: Murines are among the most widespread mammals and play major roles as both pests and ecological contributors. They are also important model organisms in biomedical research (notably Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus), aiding studies in genetics, physiology, and disease.

Conservation: Most murine species are abundant; a number are considered pests or are of dubious conservation status, while a few species face threats in their native ranges due to habitat loss and other pressures.