Jaliscan Spiny Pocket Mouse
Heteromys spectabilis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Heteromys spectabilis faces severe habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and cattle ranching throughout its limited range in Costa Rica and Panama. Deforestation for coffee plantations and pastureland has fragmented the remaining forest patches where this spiny pocket mouse depends on specific microhabitat conditions. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction and climate-induced changes to montane forest ecosystems.
Habitat
Heteromys spectabilis inhabits montane cloud forests and humid premontane forests at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters in the Cordillera de Talamanca. The species requires dense forest understory with abundant leaf litter and fallen logs that provide shelter and foraging opportunities for seeds and small invertebrates.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in HETEROMYIDAE
Threatened in Mexico
Frequently asked questions
Why is Jaliscan Spiny Pocket Mouse classified as Endangered?
Where does Jaliscan Spiny Pocket Mouse live?
What are the main threats to Jaliscan Spiny Pocket Mouse?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.