419.

Colombian Central Andes Cloud Forest Mouse

Handleyomys intectus

French: Oryzomys d’Antioquia / German: \Weil3fuR-Reisratte / Spanish: Ratén de bosque nuboso de Colombia central

Other common names: Colombian Rice Rat, White-footed Handley's Mouse

Taxonomy. Oryzomys intectus Thomas, 1921, “ Santa Elena,” Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia. This species is monotypic.

Distribution. C Andes Range of Colombia.

Descriptive notes. Head—body 85-114 mm, tail 75-106 mm, ear 21-26 mm, hindfoot 10-17m (mean 14 mm); weight 17-33 g (mean 26 g). The Colombian Central Andes Cloud Forest Mouse is distinguished by hindfeet that are usually covered dorsally by pure white (or indistinctly pigmented) hairs. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 54, FN = 68-70.

Habitat. Primary cloud forests and adjacent secondary growth, usually in cool and very humid environments, at elevations of 1700-2800 m.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. A pregnant Colombian Central Andes Cloud Forest Mouse was caught in the rainy season (April) and gave birth to two young in the trap; one lactating female was captured in the dry season (January). Juveniles have been caught during rainy and dry seasons.

Activity patterns. The Colombian Central Andes Cloud Forest Mouse is apparently nocturnal and terrestrial.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red Last.

Bibliography. Gomez-Laverde & Delgado (2016), Gémez-Laverde et al. (2015), Voss et al. (2002).