483.

Magdalena Water Rat

Nectomys magdalenae

French: Nectomys du Magdalena / German: Magdalena-Wasserratte / Spanish: Rata de agua de Magdalena

Other common names: Magdalena Nectomys, Magdalena-Cauca Water Rat

Taxonomy. Nectomys magadalenae Thomas, 1897, “W. Cundinamarca, in lowlands near Magdalena RJiver],” Colombia .

Two subspecies are recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution.

N.m.magdalenaeThomas,1897—RioMagdalenaValley,Colombia.

N. m. grandis Thomas, 1897 — restricted to Rio Cauca Valley, Colombia.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 182-290 mm, tail 191-270 mm, ear 17-24 mm, hindfoot 46-57 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. See general characters of the genus under the Trinidad Water Rat (N. palmipes) account. Dorsum of the Magdalena Water Ratis coarsely mixed grayish ocherous, mid-dorsal dark band is absent, and venter is ocherous gray whitish. Skull is robust and heavy, with frontal and parietal regions markedly swollen. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 32 for grandis and 2n = 34, FN = 40 for nominotypical magdalenae .

Habitat. Vegetation along rivers and streams.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. The Magdalena Water Rat is thought to be nocturnal and semi-aquatic as its congeners.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List.

Bibliography. Bonvicino & Weksler (2015), Chiquito (2015), Delgado, Gomez-Laverde & Weksler (2008), Gomez-Laverde et al. (1999), Hershkovitz (1944), Musser & Carleton (2005).