369.

Colombian Cane Mouse

Zygodontomys brunneus

French: Grande Souris-des-cannes / German: Kolumbien-Zuckermaus / Spanish: Ratén de cana de Colombia

Other common names: Brown Cane Mouse, Brown Zygodont

Taxonomy. Zygodontomys brunneus Thomas, 1898, “El Saibal, W. Cundinamarca,” Colombia.

Uncertainties about exact location of this type locality in the context of collections made by G. D. Child where discussed by R. S. Voss in 1991. Monotypic.

Distribution. Andean intermontane valleys in W Colombia (upper Cauca, Magdalena, Dagua, and Patia rivers).

Descriptive notes. Head-body 135-152 mm, tail 110-117 mm, ear 15-20 mm, hindfoot 28-35 mm; weight 45-81 g. The Colombian Cane Mouseis larger than the Short-tailed Cane Mouse ( Z. brevicauda). It also is distinguished by its more hypsodont molars with oblique mures and murids, less opisthodont upper incisors, shallower zygomatic notches, less inflated nasolacrimal capsules, small but (usually) persistent sphenopalatine vacuities, and complete stapedial circulation.

Habitat. Intermontane valleys at elevations of 350-1300 m.

Food and Feeding. Diet of the Colombian Cane Mouse includes seeds,fruit, and green plant material.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. The Colombian Cane Mouse is nocturnal and terrestrial.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Colombian Cane Mice make short burrows in banks or under tree roots, leading to nests made of grasses and other plant material.

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

Bibliography. Anderson & Aguilera (2016), Thomas (1898e), Voss (1991a, 2015e).