135.

Guatemalan Vole

Microtus guatemalensis

French: Campagnol du Guatemala / German: Guatemala-Wihlimaus / Spanish: Topillo de Guatemala

Taxonomy. Microtus guatemalensis Merriam, 1898, Todos Santos, 10,000 ft (= 3048 m), Huehuetenango Department, Guatemala. This species is monotypic.

Distribution. From C Chiapas, Mexico, SE to C Guatemala.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 113-122 mm, tail 30-36 mm, ear 12-16 mm, hindfoot 20-22 mm; weight 34-44 g. The Guatemalan Vole is dark brown, with robust body and relatively short tail.

Five plantar tubercles are on feet. Skull is long and semi-arched. M” hasfive closed triangles.

Habitat. Meadows in cloud forests at elevations of 2500-3200 m.

Food and Feeding. The Guatemalan Vole probably feeds primarily on green vegetation.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. Guatemalan Voles burrow among roots, rocks, and leaflitter in pine ( Pinus, Pinaceae) forests.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Near Threatened on The IUCN Red List. Habitat modification due to overgrazing by sheep is a threat to the Guatemalan Vole in Laguna Magdalena protected area in Guatemala.

Bibliography. Bradley, Ammerman et al. (2014), Ceballos & Oliva (2006), Hall (1981), Matson & Woodman (2008), Musser & Carleton (2005), Smith & Jones (1967).