Order

Eulipotyphla

Key region

Mexican dry forests

Range

Mexico

How this species is doing

The Chiapan Climbing Rat (Tylomys bullaris) is known only from the type locality in Chiapas (extreme southern Mexico), and was last formally recorded over 40 years ago. This species is classified as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Pressure

Known from a single locality and expected to decline.

Responses

There do not appear to be any conservation measures in place for this species.

Knowledge level

Virtually nothing is known about the ecology of this species. Climbing rats superficially resemble large specimens of the black rat (Rattus rattus). They usually have greyish or brownish upper parts and whitish underparts. The feet are brown or russet and the toes are white or brown. The tail is dark brown to blackish. The tail is slender and scantily haired and the ears are large and naked. The feet are broad and short, and the hind feet appear to be suited to an arboreal life. Preferred habitats for climbing rats are heavily forested areas, often around rocky ledges. Specimens have been collected both up in the trees and on the ground.