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
Marmosa zeledoni
Zeledon's Mouse Opossum
Goldman, 1911
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, nocturnal marsupial with large eyes, prominent ears, and a long, prehensile tail used for climbing in trees.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Zeledon's Mouse OpossumZorro marsupial de Zeledón
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).Didelphimorphia
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Didelphidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Marmosa
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Goldman, 1911
Record Completeness
94%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 primary and secondary tropical forests, favoring humid environments in Central America.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Solitary, nocturnal, and primarily arboreal. Feeds on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strictly solitary outside of mating.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; plays a role in seed dispersal and insect population control.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Polygynous; females raise young without assistance from males.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 15.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
40 g - 100 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5 - 12
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
6 - 8 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
12 - 14
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 2 Years
Females1 - 2 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are typically larger with more robust skulls.
Females Multi-lang
Females are smaller and have a thinner snout.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Strong prehensile tail for arboreal locomotion; tapetum lucidum for excellent nocturnal vision.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation and deforestation of tropical corridors.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike many other marsupials, mouse opossums do not have a fully developed pouch, and young cling to the mother's fur.