Enlarging the knowledge on the Ecuadorean rodent Rhagomys septentrionalis (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) with remarks on rarity in sigmodontines

Abstract

The cricetid rodent Rhagomys septentrionalis was previously known only from its type locality in Ecuador. Four new records are reported here, documenting a northward range extension of about 300 km. Obtained evidence include, for the first time, nests and a video of an individual in the wild. Distribution models suggest that R. septentrionalis potentially has an ample geographic range along the eastern Andean Forest. According to IUCN criteria the species should be categorized as Vulnerable. The case of R. septentrionalis, now recorded from five localities within a year after its original description, suggests that rarity in sigmodontines is mostly driven by limited field efforts.