The Alabama beach mouse, a tiny, nocturnal mammal that burrows beneath the dunes of Baldwin County's coast, plays an outsized role in keeping Alabama's shoreline alive.

While often out of sight, these small creatures act as natural engineers, dispersing seeds and stabilizing sand that protects communities from erosion and storm damage.

"Overall, the Alabama beach mouse is a good indicator species," said Trent Farris, environmental biologist with Volkert, who manages population studies at Gulf State Park. "Its presence signals the overall health of the fragile dune ecosystem."

Since its federal listing as endangered in 1985, the species has been a focus of state and federal recovery programs, with partners including the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), Baldwin County and the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores working to conserve dune habitats.

The mouse's role in the ecosystem is critical. As they burrow and collect seeds, they help sustain the dunes that act as natural storm barriers along Alabama's coast.

"We need the Alabama beach mouse because it plays a critical role in building and stabilizing coastal sand dunes, which are vital for protecting the coastline from erosion and storm surge," Farris said.

Threats to the Alabama beach mouse are numerous. Predation is a significant concern, with red foxes, coyotes and birds of prey all taking a toll. Human activity, from development to foot traffic on dunes, can destroy habitat or fragment it into isolated patches. Storms pose perhaps the most unpredictable threat. Hurricanes, including Ivan, Katrina, Sally and Helene, have at times devastated coastal habitat, destroying vegetation that provides both food and shelter.

To mitigate these threats, Gulf State Park has implemented predator control programs since 2016 guided by Farris's research.

"I've seen the mouse population increase as a result," Farris said.

The park has also invested in dune restoration projects, including artificial berms and long boardwalks, which reduce human trampling and erosion while providing new habitat.

Monitoring the Alabama beach mouse is a detailed and labor-intensive process. Twice a year, following the requirements of the park's incidental take permit, Farris and his team set traps along standardized grids, marking each mouse with a numbered ear tag before releasing it.

"We set traps before sunset and check them well into the early morning," Farris said.

Data collected from these surveys feeds into population models used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to track trends and estimate densities.

William Lynn, Fish and Wildlife biologist and Alabama beach mouse lead, highlighted the species' broader ecological significance.

"Protecting this endangered species protects the natural storm barriers our coasts rely on," he said.

He also noted the importance of human cooperation in maintaining habitat.

"Many property owners build and maintain dunes, protecting both their homes and beach mouse habitat," Lynn said. "Others donate Christmas trees to Gulf State Park to help dunes form, supporting wildlife and strengthening the shoreline."

The benefits of preserving Alabama beach mouse habitat extend beyond the species itself. Healthy dunes protect homes, infrastructure and the beaches that drive tourism and support local economies.

"If it really wasn't for the Alabama beach mouse and the protection it's received since the mid-'80s, we could easily see Orange Beach or Gulf Shores become the next Panama City Beach," Farris said. "Maintaining healthy dunes protects both wildlife and local communities, preserving beaches, coastal infrastructure and the character of Baldwin County's shoreline."

For locals and visitors alike, the Alabama beach mouse represents a connection to the natural heritage of Alabama's coast. Preserving the tiny nocturnal mammal ensures that dunes remain resilient, beaches remain scenic and communities are better protected from the next storm.

"Protecting this endangered species also protects the natural storm barriers our coasts rely on," Lynn said.

The Alabama beach mouse may be small, but its role in shaping and sustaining Baldwin County's dunes is vast. Through coordinated monitoring, habitat management and careful predator control, these tiny guardians of the dunes continue to secure the coast for future generations.

"There wouldn't be a Gulf State Park," Farris said, "if it really wasn't for the Alabama beach mouse."

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.