271.

Mayan Deermouse

Peromyscus mayensis

French: Péromyscus maya / German: Maya-Hirschmaus / Spanish: Raton ciervo de los Maya

Other common names: Maya Mouse

Taxonomy. Peromyscus mayensis Carleton & Huckaby, 1975, about 7 km NW Santa Eulalia, Yaiquiche, 2950 m, Huehuetenango Department, Guatemala.

Peromyscus mayensis was in the furvus species group, but molecular data suggest it is best aligned with the mexicanus species group. Monotypic.

Distribution. Known only from the type locality and surrounding areas in WC Guatemala.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 107-125 mm,tail 102-120 mm, ear 19-23 mm, hindfoot 25-27 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. Dorsum is dark umber brown; venter is slate-gray, tipped with white producing frosted appearance. Sides do not have distinct lateral line. Dorsal surfaces of feet are dusky brown. Ears are dark brown and lined with black. Tail is blackish and only slightly darker above than below. The Mayan Deermouse closely resembles the Mexican Deermouse (FP. mexicanus) in size.

Habitat. Pine-oak zone likely at high elevations (type locality 2950 m). Type locality of the Mayan Deermouse contained ferns, mixed-deciduous trees and pines, fallen logs, and moss-covered tree trunks.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. The Mayan Deermouse is presumably nocturnal.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red List.

Bibliography. Bradley et al. (2007), Hall (1981), Huckaby (1980), Musser & Carleton (2005).