Giant pocket rats
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Giant pocket rats or Taltuzas ( Orthogeomys ) are a genus of pocket rats (Geomyidae) with eleven species that are mainly found in Central America .
features
These rodents are physically similar to other pocket rats, but they are significantly larger. The head-torso length is between 10 and 35 cm and the weight varies between 150 and 900 g. The tail length is 5 to 14 cm. The fur of the giant pocket rats is black-brown on the top and lighter on the underside. Various species have white bands or spots on the back or face. Species from colder regions generally have softer and denser fur. The upper incisors have a noticeable joint in the middle.
Types and distribution
According to Wilson & Reeder (2005) eleven types are distinguished.
- Chiriqui pocket rat ( Orthogeomys cavator ) Bangs, 1902 - southern Costa Rica and western Panama
- Cherrie pocket rat ( Orthogeomys cherriei ) JA Allen, 1893 - northern Costa Rica
- Oaxaca pocket rat ( Orthogeomys cuniculus ) Elliot, 1905 - in southwest Oaxaca state , Mexico
- Darién pocket rat ( Orthogeomys dariensis ) Goldman, 1912 - Eastern Panama
- Giant pocket rat or hamster rat ( Orthogeomys grandis Thomas, 1893) - southwest Mexico to Honduras
- Irazu Pocket Rat ( Orthogeomys heterodus ) Peters, 1865 - Central Costa Rica
- Yucatan pocket rat or Rough bristle pocket rat ( Orthogeomys hispidus ) LeConte, 1852 - southeastern Mexico to northwestern Honduras
- Veracruz Pocket Rat or Great Mexican Taltuza ( Orthogeomys lanius ) Elliot, 1905 - on the southeast slope of Mt. Orizaba, western Mexico
- Nicaraguan pocket rat ( Orthogeomys matagalpae ) JA Allen, 1910 - central Nicaragua
- Colombian pocket rat ( Orthogeomys thaeleri ) Alberico, 1990 - northwestern Colombia ( listed as a subspecies of Orthogeomys dariensis since 2015 )
- Underwood pocket rat ( Orthogeomys underwoodi ) Osgood, 1931 - west coast of Costa Rica and northwestern Panama
Way of life
Tropical rainforests and other forests serve as habitats . In the mountains, giant pocket rats reach 3000 m above sea level.
The individual specimens dig tunnel systems that lie just below the surface of the earth. The building has several chambers, which are upholstered with parts of plants or serve as storage. Giant pocket rats mainly stay in these burrows, they only come out occasionally at night. They eat roots , tubers and various green parts of plants that can be reached by the tunnel.
Females usually have two litters a year with one to four young animals. The sexual maturity is reached very quickly, females can raise their own offspring after three months.
Giant pocket rats and humans
Giant pocket rats are considered pests by the Central American farmers. Catching specimens is a recognized profession in Mexico, Tucero , which is usually inherited within a family. Species with a small range are threatened with extinction from hunting. Most giant pocket rats, on the other hand, are listed by the IUCN as not endangered ( least concern ).
Reference literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d e f Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. Volume 2. 6th edition. 1999, pp. 1314-1315, Google books .
- ↑ Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Ed.): Mammal Species of the World . A taxonomic and geographic Reference . 3. Edition. 2 volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 (English, Orthogeomys ).
- ↑ a b Orthogeomys in the IUCN 2012 Red List of Threatened Species . Accessed April 30, 2013.