New Records of Wilfredomys oenax (Thomas, 1928) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Cricetidae) in the State of Paraná, Southern Brazil

Abstract

We proved two new records of the small, rare, cryptic, and endangered Atlantic Forest endemic rodent Greater Wilfred's Mouse (Wilfredomys oenax) are provided herein. This species is also referred to as the Red-nosed Tree Mouse or Rata de Hocico Ferrugíneo (spanish). The new records come from the east plateau region of the Paraná State in south and subtropical Brazil. The records are from two distinct conditions: a) two specimens have been captured at ground level in areas of natural grassland (typical of the plateaus of southern Brazil); these areas are characterized by the presence of grasses, shrubs, and small groups of trees in the Iguaçu River basin; b) another specimen was captured in the Castro Tibagi River basin; it was photographed in a typical area of fluvial forest. These records serve to extend the distribution of the W. oenax to the Tibagi river basin in Paraná State. The rivers Iguaçu and Tibagi are of particular significance as tributaries of the left bank of the Paraná River.