Yellow-brown dwarf rice rat
| Yellow-brown dwarf rice rat | ||||||||||||
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Skull view from above, from the side and from below. |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Oligoryzomys fulvescens | ||||||||||||
| ( Saussure , 1860) |
The yellow-brown pygmy rice rat ( Oligoryzomys fulvescens ) is a rodent in the burrower family that is found in America .
features
The species reaches a head-body length of 62 to 99 mm, a tail length of 82 to 125 mm and a weight of 11 to 16 g. The hind feet are 17 to 24 mm long and the length of the ears is 10 to 15 mm. The slightly stiff fur on the upper side is orange-brown with black dots on the middle of the back. The sides of the body are less brown and the hairs on the underside are light gray at the base and light brown to white at the tips. There is orange hair on the small ears. The narrow tail has a darker top. The yellow-brown dwarf rice rat can easily be confused with harvest mice ( Reithrodontomys ) in the area of distribution . However, it lacks the notch in the upper incisors. In addition, the middle toe of the hind feet is greatly elongated.
distribution
This pygmy rice rat occurs with several separate populations in Central and South America . The distribution area extends from Mexico to the north of Brazil and Peru . The species lives in the lowlands and mountains, usually up to 1500 meters in height. Individual populations can reach 2000 meters in height. Dry and moist forests, bushes and areas with tall grass serve as habitats .
Way of life
The yellow-brown pygmy rice rat is nocturnal and mostly stays on the ground. However, it can climb in the bushes and on blades of grass. The diet consists mainly of seeds, which are completed with a few insects. Reproduction takes place in the rainy season as well as in the adjacent weeks of the dry season. There are 2 to 4 offspring per litter.
status
No dangers are known for the existence of the species. The IUCN lists the yellow-brown pygmy rice rat as Least Concern .
proof
- ↑ Oligoryzomys fulvescens . In: Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. 2 volumes. 3. Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .
- ^ A b Fiona Reid: A Field Guide to the Mammals of Central America . OUP, 2009, p. 214-2157 ( Northern Pygmy Rice Council ).
- ↑ a b Oligoryzomys fulvescens in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2017. Posted by: Weksler, M., Aguilera, M. & Reid, F., 2016. Accessed August 16, 2018th