First record of the Santa Marta mouse, Nephelomys maculiventer (Mammalia, Rodentia, Cricetidae), for Venezuela

We report the first record of the Santa Marta mouse Nephelomys maculiventer in Venezuela based on a specimen from the Northern Andes in the Sierra de Perijá. This record increases the number of mammalian species documented in Venezuela to 404 and extends the geographic distribution range of N. maculiventer approximately 80 km northwest from the closest locality in Colombia. With this discovery, we update the ecological and conservation information for the species as well as the taxonomy of the genus Nephelomys.

Rapid ecological assessment of mammals from a locality of middle basin at Palmar River, Zulia state, Venezuela

Here we present the results from a rapid ecological assessment of mammals within Campo Boscán, located in the middle basin of the Palmar River in Zulia state, Venezuela. Records for species inventories were obtained from mist-nets and traps surveys and direct observation across three-vegetation types; we also include data from surveys to local communities. We identified 47 mammal species–representing 24 families and nine orders–, including the first record of the Hairy Big-eared Bat (Micronycteris hirsuta) for the Maracaibo Lake Depression region. Orders Chiroptera, Rodentia and Carnivora represented the most diverse and abundant taxa. Insectivores and carnivores were the most diverse trophic groups. Approximately 13% of the species are included within some threat category. Our results can be used for developing future monitoring programs in order to increase the knowledge on terrestrial vertebrates and biodiversity in general within the region. Key words: Ecology, species richness, mammals, Maracaibo Lake Depression, Zulia state

A hundred years later: new record of the rare Cryptotis tamensis (Soricidae: Mammalia) from Tama National Natural Park, Colombia

Here we present the most recent record of the Tama Small-eared Shrew for Colombia as a contribution to this poor-known species in the country. The record of the Tama Small-eared Shrew is located within the Tama NNP, Herran and Toledo municipalities, Norte de Santander department, Colombia on the border with Venezuela. The park presents an altitudinal range between 350 and 3.450 masl, and covers approximately 48.000 ha mostly composed of large areas of paramo, montane forest and tropical forest.