192.

White-toothed Woodrat

Neotoma leucodon

French: Néotoma a dents blanches / German: \WeilRzahn-Buschratte / Spanish: Rata de bosque de dientes blancos

Taxonomy. Neotoma leucodon Merriam, 1894, San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. N. leucodon was removed as a subspecies of N. albigula and elevated to a species based on genetic differences. Seven subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution.

N.l.leucodonMerriam,1894—fromSEDurango,Zacatecas,andWSanLuisPotosiStoGuanajuato,NMéxicoandWHidalgostates(CMexico).

N.l.durangaeJ.A.Allen,1903—SEChihuahua,mostofCoahuila,andN&CDurangostates(NCMexico).

N.l.latifronsMerriam,1894—NMichoacanState(CMexico).

N.l.melasDice,1929—NewMexico(USA).

N.l.robustaBlair,1939—SWTexas(USA).

N.l.subsolanaAlvarez,1962—ECoahuila,WNuevoLeon,andSETamaulipasstates(NEMexico).

N. l. warreni Merriam, 1908 — SE Colorado, NE New Mexico, W Oklahoma Panhandle, and NW Texas (SC USA).

Descriptive notes. Head-body 207-215 mm, tail 76-185 mm, ear 25-30 mm, hindfoot 30-40 mm; weight 145-200 g. The White-toothed Woodratis large and robust; it is generally the largest species of Neotoma in its distribution. Morphologically, it resembles the White-throated Woodrat (N. albigula) but can be distinguished by allopatric distribution and genetic features. Dorsum is grayish brown, with light brown and orange shades. In some environments such as lava fields, it can be very dark. Hairs of throat are white to bases. Tail is distinctly bicolored and scantily haired. Feet are white and covered with hair, except soles are naked. Eyes are very conspicuous.

Habitat. Typically only xeric habitats of scrublands, desert pastures, forests ofjuniper ( Juniperus, Cupressaceae) and sometimes forests of oak ( Quercus, Fagaceae) and perennial vegetation such as prickly pear ( Opuntia, Cactaceae) at elevations of 1000-2700 m. In some regions, distribution of the White-toothed Woodrat is positively related to plant density that serves as refuge and food, such as chollas ( Cylindropuntia, Cactaceae) and prickly pear.

Food and Feeding. White-toothed Woodrats eat various cacti and plant species. They do not drink water because they obtain it metabolically.

Breeding. Breeding season occurs from early spring until summer. In years with sufficient food availability, White-toothed Woodrats can produce more than one litter per year. Litters have 1-3 young. Gestation is 38 days, and young are weaned at 27-40 days old. Sexual maturity is reached in 80 and 100 days for females and males, respectively.

Activity patterns. The White-toothed Woodrat is mainly nocturnal.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The White-toothed Woodrat is generally territorial. Middens are constructed at bases of bushes and trees and among rocks and crevices. They are made with pieces of chollas, prickly pear, mesquite ( Prosopis, Fabaceae), twigs, leaves, rocks, feathers, bones, and feces of other animals. Middens can be very large, up to 3-4 m in diameter and more than 1 m high.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The [UCN Red List. The Whitetoothed Woodrat is widely distributed and faces no conservation threats.

Bibliography. Allen (1903c), Alvarez (1962), Blair (1939), Brylski, P (1990b), Ceballos & Mellink (2014), Dice (1929), Edwards et al. (2001), Hall (1981), Hoffmeister (1986), Jameson & Peeters (1988), Macédo & Mares (1988), Merriam (1894b, 1908).