The remaining habitat of the Key Largo cotton mouse is severely fragmented. Thanks to these efforts, 91% of Key Largo cotton mouse habitat is protected. Efforts to protect the Key Largo cotton mouse are primarily focused on habitat protection. Hispid cotton rat and cotton mouse are considered important reservoir hosts of Everglades virus. The rise in domesticated animals has also harmed the Key Largo cotton mouse population. The now extinct Chadwick Beach cotton mouse was endemic to the Englewood Beach area.