187.

Goldman’s Woodrat

Neotoma goldmani

French: Néotoma de Goldman / German: Goldman-Buschratte / Spanish: Rata de bosque de Goldman

Taxonomy. Neotoma goldmani: Merriam, 1903, Saltillo, 5000 ft (= 1524 m), Coahuila, Mexico.

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. N parts of the Mexican Plateau, in SE Chihuahua, NE Durango, W & S Coahuila, N & E Zacatecas, W San Luis Potosi, SW Nuevo Leon, and N Querétaro states (NC Mexico).

Descriptive notes. Head-body c.149-152 mm, tail 113-136 mm, ear 25-29 mm, hindfoot 27-31 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. Goldman's Woodprat is the smallest woodrat species. Externally, it resembles the White-throated Woodrat (N. albigula) and the White-toothed Woodrat (N. leucodon). Dorsum is light yellow, paler on head and darker on rear; venter is white. Several cranial differences (premaxillaries broader posteriorly, supraorbital ridges less pronounced, rostrum less massive) distinguish Goldman’s Woodrat from the White-throated Woodrat and the Desert Woodrat (N. lepida), the two species with which Goldman’s Woodrat is most likely to be confused.

Habitat. Arid areas, typified by rocky habitat, desert shrubs, and cacti at elevations of 1150-1830 m.

Food and Feeding. Goldman's Woodrat mainly feeds on roots, stems, leaves, and seeds; it occasionally eats various invertebrate species.

Breeding. Reproduction is thought to occur in March, with young born in July—August. Litters have 1-4 young. Gestation lasts 30—40 days. Sexual maturity occurs at 6-8 months of age.

Activity patterns. Goldman’s Woodrat is nocturnal and active throughout the day .

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Goldman’s Woodrat is solitary. Middens normally are located along rocky crevices and are constructed with sticks and grasses.

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

Bibliography. Anderson (1972), Baker & Greer (1962), Hall (1981), Hrachovy et al. (1996), Ledn-Paniagua et al. (1990), Matson & Baker (1986), Merriam (1903b), Musser & Carleton (1993), Rainey & Baker (1955), Schmidly et al. (1985), Tobon (2014b).