494.

Small Fernandina Galapagos Mouse

Nesoryzomys fernandinae

French: Oryzomys de Fernandina / German: Kleine Fernandina-Galapagosratte / Spanish: Raton de Galapagos de Fernandina pequeno

Other common names: Small Fernandina Nesoryzomys

Taxonomy. Nesoryzomys fernandinae Hutterer & Hirsch, 1980, Fernandina [= Narborough] Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Restricted to Fernandina I, Galapagos Is.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 100-121 mm, tail 77-100 mm, ear 15-19 mm, hindfoot 21-27 mm; weight 22-63 ¢ (mean male 38 g, mean female 27 g). The Small Fernandina Galapagos Mouse is a small species of Nesoryzomys . Males are slightly larger and heavier than females. Dorsum is dark brown. Back hairs are bicolored or tricolored, always with gray bases. Venteris paler than dorsum. Mystical vibrissae are long and project beyond ears. Ears are large and obvious, naked in appearance but covered with fine hair. Tail is bicolored and well-haired. Feet are dark brown, with few light hairs. Subauricular patch is white and usually present.

Habitat. Coastal sites with saltbush ( Cryptocarpus pyriformis, Nyctaginaceae) but more abundant on higher rocky areas dominated by large Scalesia microcephala, Darwiniothamnus tenuifolius, both Asteraceae, and mixed grasses. The Small Fernandina Galapagos Mouse is apparently absent in areas dominated by mangroves.

Food and Feeding. The Small Fernandina Galapagos Mouse is supposedly insectivorous and complements its diet with vegetation.

Breeding. Reproduction is apparently limited to the rainy season (January-April).

Activity patterns. The Small Fernandina Galapagos Mouse is terrestrial and nocturnal.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Small Fernandina Galapagos Mice are solitary.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List.

Bibliography. Dowler (2015), Dowler & Carroll (1996), Dowler et al. (2000), Heller (1904), Hutterer & Hirsch (1979), Hutterer & Peters (2010), Johnson (2009), Key & Munoz (1994), Musser & Carleton (2005), Patton & Hafner (1983), Tirira (2017), Tirira, Dowler et al. (2008b).