Brazilian arboreal mouse
Rhagomys rufescens
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Rodentia · Cricetidae
About
The Brazilian arboreal mouse is a South American rodent species of the family Cricetidae. It is found in the Atlantic Forest of southeast Brazil, often close to bamboo thickets. It can be distinguished from Rhagomys longilingua, the only other species in its genus, by the absence of spines among the hair. Formerly believed to be extinct after no sightings were recorded for over 100 years, the species has since been found in four localities. However, it is nowhere common, and all of these are forest fragments, and ongoing deforestation threatens the species' survival. For these reasons, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being "vulnerable".
Fun Fact
The hallux (big toe) bears a nail rather than a claw, a unique characteristic of this genus.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Lives in Atlantic forest, often among bamboos, and also in modified forest habitats.
Diet
Eaten several species of ant.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Degradation
- Overexploitation
- Invasive Species
- Climate Change