Macrotarsomys bastardi

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	MAMMALIA	RODENTIA	NESOMYIDAE

Scientific Name:

Macrotarsomys bastardi

Species Authority:

Milne-Edwards & G. Grandidier, 1898

Common Name/s:

English

–

Western Big-footed Mouse, Bastard Big-footed Mouse

Taxonomic Notes:

Two subspecies have been proposed, the nominate form, and M. b. occidentalis (Ellerman 1949). However, Jansa et al. (2008) concluded that there is little basis for recognizing established subspecies, although molecular data reveal novel patterns of diversity and geographic structure within this species.

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Least Concern ver 3.1

Year Assessed:

2008

Assessor/s

Goodman, S. & Rakotondravony, D.

Evaluator/s:

Amori, G. (Small Nonvolant Mammal Red List Authority) & Hoffmann, M. (Global Mammal Assessment Team)

Justification:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, occurrence in a number of protected areas, tolerance to a degree of habitat modification, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a threatened category.

History:

1996

–

Lower Risk/least concern

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	This species is endemic to western and southern Madagascar where it is widely distributed in the dry deciduous forests and grasslands. It ranges from sea level up to around 915 m asl (Carleton and Goodman 2003).
Countries:	Native: Madagascar
Range Map:	(click map to view full version)

Population [top]

Population:	It appears to be a relatively common species.
Population Trend:	Stable

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	This nocturnal, terrestrial species is found in spiny forests and dry deciduous forests. It can occur in heavily moified habitats outside of forests. Animals spend the day in burrows excavated under rocks, tree stumps and other ground cover. A litter of two to three young are born after a gestation period of around 24 days (Carleton and Goodman 2003).
Systems:	Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	The major threat to this species is wildfires in the region.

Major Threat(s):

The major threat to this species is wildfires in the region.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	This widely distributed species has been recorded from at least six protected areas including Kirindy Mitea, and Tsimanampetsotsa, Andohahela, and Ankarafantsika National Parks. Further research into the taxonomy, population and distribution of this species is needed.

Conservation Actions:

This widely distributed species has been recorded from at least six protected areas including Kirindy Mitea, and Tsimanampetsotsa, Andohahela, and Ankarafantsika National Parks. Further research into the taxonomy, population and distribution of this species is needed.

Citation:	Goodman, S. & Rakotondravony, D. 2008. Macrotarsomys bastardi. In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 10 February 2010.
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