294.

Kilpatrick's Deermouse

Peromyscus kilpatricki

French: Péromyscus de Kilpatrick / German: Kilpatrick-Hirschmaus / Spanish: Ratén ciervo de Kilpatrick

Taxonomy. Peromyscus kilpatricki Bradley et al., 2017, 13- 5 km SW Zitacuaro (UTM 14Q-352122-2140934), Michoacan, Mexico.

Peromyscus kilpatricki is in the boylii species group. Individuals from the southern part of the distribution were previously considered P. levipes, but genetic data support elevation to species status. Monotypic.

Distribution. Sierra Madre del Sur from C Michoacan E to Morelos, Mexico, and possibly montane regions of México State.

Descriptive notes. Head—body 85-102 mm,tail 85-114 mm, ear 17-22 mm, hindfoot 20-24 mm; weight 24-38 g. Kilpatrick’s Deermouse is medium-sized, with dark brown dorsum, blackish at tips. Venter is white at tips and blackish at bases. Feet are white, with brown extending onto ankles. Tail is slightly longer than head-body length, bicolored (brown above and white below), and tufted at tip. It is extremely difficult to morphologically discern from the Nimble-footed Deermouse ( P. levipes) and the Orizaba Deermouse ( P. beatae); genetic data may be required for accurate identification.

Habitat. Mesic, montane, pine-oak forests habitat at elevations greater than 1600 m. Kilpatrick's Deermouse is typically associated with rock outcroppings, fallen logs, and moistsoils.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. Kilpatrick’s Deermouse is nocturnal.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Not assessed on The [UCN Red List.

Bibliography. Bradley et al. (2017), Carleton (1977).