Habromys simulatus

314.

Xico Deermouse

Habromys simulatus

French: Habromys de Jico / German: Jico-Hirschmaus / Spanish: Raton ciervo de Xico

Other common names: Jico Crested-tail Mouse, Jico Deermouse

Taxonomy. Peromyscus simulatus Osgood, 1904, “Jico, Vera Cruz, Mexico (altitude 6000 feet [= 1829 m]).”

Populations in Sierra Mazateca, Oaxaca, just described as a different species H. villai Leon-Paniagua, Guevara & Navarro-Sigtienza, 2017. Monotypic.

Distribution. E slopes oFSierra Madre Oriental in Hidalgo and Veracruz, Mexico.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 90-92 mm, tail 78-111 mm, ear 16-19 mm, hindfoot 21-24 mm; weight 17-19 g. The Xico Deermouse is a medium-sized species of Habromys, with dark brown dorsum and white belly. Feet are small and have well-marked spots on metatarsal region; ears are medium-sized and dark; and tail is unicolored or with thin white line below and hairy and brushytip.

Habitat. Old and humid cloud forests with dense vegetation and mixed forests of pineoak at elevations of 1830-2200 m.

Food and Feeding. The Xico Deermouse is probably omnivorous.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. Xico Deermice are nocturnal and arboreal; they have been caught in trees up to 10-12 m high.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Endangered on The IUCN Red List. Distribution is severely fragmented, and extent and quality of its habitat continue to decline.

Bibliography. Alvarez-Castafieda, Castro-Arellano, Lacher & Vazquez (2008a), Castafeda-Rico et al. (2011), Ledn-Paniagua & Romo (2014d), Ledn-Paniagua, Guevara & Navarro-Siglienza (2017), Ledn-Paniagua, Navarro-Siglienza et al. (2007), Musser & Carleton (2005), Osgood (1904).