Toltec Cotton Rat
Sigmodon toltecus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Cricetidae
About
The Toltec cotton rat is a rodent species in the family Cricetidae. It is found in eastern Mexico from the Rio Grande to the Yucatán Peninsula, as well as in Belize and northern Guatemala. It prefers moist grassland habitat. While long thought to be a subspecies of S. hispidus, recent taxonomic revisions, based on mitochondrial DNA sequence data, have split the extensive former species range into three separate species. Carroll et al. (2004) indicate that the southern edge of the S. hispidus distribution is likely near the Rio Grande where it meets the northern distribution of S. toltecus. The range of S. toltecus extends from northern Mexico south into Chiapas where it occurs in sympatry with S. hirsutus . Rats from this species group have been used as laboratory animals.
Fun Fact
It is found in eastern Mexico from the Rio Grande to the Yucatán Peninsula, as well as in Belize and northern Guatemala.
Quick Facts
Habitat
To be updated
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance