Water Mice are almost entirely dependent on mangrove habitats, dominated by Avicennia, Rhizophora and Bruguiera species.They nest in mangrove-sedge-saline grassland ecotones. The specialized obligate carnivores rely on mangrove systems for prey items, in particular crustaceans, insects and molluscs.

Models of the effects of sea level rise on coastal vegetation in Moreton Bay indicate the area of mangroves is likely to increase as mangrove migrate into low lying lands that are not yet developed. Models of the future population of the Water Mouse indicate that populations can increase as their habitat area increases. Effects of climate change interacts with human settlements to influence a vulnerable species. Models of the effects of climate change should integrate with patterns of human settlements and behaviors to fully understand the future of vulnerable and threatened species.