593.

Reig’s Montane Mouse

Aepeomys reigi

French: Aepéomys de Reig / German: Reig-Andenmaus / Spanish: Raton de montana de Reig

Other common names: Reig's Aepeomys

Taxonomy. Aepeomys reigi Ochoa et al., 2001, El Blanquito, 1600 m, Parque Nacional Yacambu, Lara, Venezuela.

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Andes of W Venezuela (Trujillo and Lara states).

Descriptive notes. Head—body 104-125 mm, tail 116-142 mm, ear 18-20 mm, hindfoot 25-30 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. Reig’s Montane Mouse is very similar to the Merida Montane Mouse (A. lugens), butit is slightly larger, with shorter fur; more sparsely haired legs, ankles, and hindfeet; and some cranial differences. Dorsum of the Reig’s Montane Mouse is dark gray-brown to reddish gray-brown. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 44 and FN = 46.

Habitat. Primary cloud forest and small patches of paramo at elevations of 1600-3230 m. Reig’s Montane Mice have been trapped on the ground in densely forested areas or open areasclose to ecotone between paramo and forest covered by shrubs and herbaceous vegetation.

Food and Feeding. Captive Reig’s Montane Mice ate insects ( Orthoptera), fruits, and seeds. Stomach contents of one specimen had hair and insect ( Coleoptera) remains.

Breeding. Three male Reig’s Montane Mice collected in August and December showed no signals of reproductive activity.

Activity patterns. Reig’s Montane Mouse is nocturnal and terrestrial.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List. Reig’s Montane Mouse has a small extent of occurrence (less than 20,000 km?), it is known from less than ten localities, and there is continuing decline in area and quality of habitat.

Bibliography. Aguilera et al. (2000), Ochoa, Aguilera, Gémez-Laverde & Rivas (2008), Ochoa, Aguilera, Pacheco & Soriano (2001).