First record of Black-eared Rice Rat, Handleyomys melanotis (Thomas, 1893) (Rodentia, Cricetidae), on a protected island off the Pacific Coast of Jalisco, Mexico, with notes on its potential threat for avian nesting species

Abstract

Black-eared Rice Rat, Handleyomys melanotis (Thomas, 1893), is a small, abundant rodent thought endemic to Mexico. We present a new record of this rat on Cocinas Island off the Chamela coast of Jalisco, Mexico. On this protected island located at 19.5°N, 105.1°W, we captured 11 specimens with the physical characteristics that confirm their identity as H. melanotis. We explore the possible implications of this species on Cocinas Island.