AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Zygodontomys brevicauda
Short-tailed Cane Mouse
(J. A. Allen & Chapman, 1893)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized cricetid rodent with brownish-gray dorsal fur and lighter, grayish-white underparts. Its tail is noticeably shorter than its head and body length.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Ratón de caña colicortoShort-tailed cane mouse
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Rodentia
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Cricetidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Zygodontomys
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(J. A. Allen & Chapman, 1893)
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, agricultural fields, and forest edges in northern South America and parts of Central America.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Primarily diurnal or crepuscular, though may be active at night. It builds surface nests in thick vegetation.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, but populations can reach high densities in favorable habitats.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Generalist omnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of grasses, seeds, fruits, and occasionally small insects. Prey for snakes, owls, and carnivorous mammals.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Highly productive; females mature quickly and can produce several litters per year.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
9.0 - 14.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
30 g - 70 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 7
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 3 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
20 - 25
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 2 Years
Females1 - 2 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Highly adapted to colonizing disturbed areas, allowing it to maintain stable populations in human-altered landscapes.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Generally not considered threatened due to its widespread distribution and ability to inhabit modified environments.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is an important reservoir host for various zoonotic viruses, making it a subject of significant medical research in the tropics.