CR

Mantiqueira Atlantic Tree Rat

Phyllomys mantiqueirensis

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Phyllomys mantiqueirensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the world's most endangered biomes. Deforestation for agriculture, urban expansion, and infrastructure development has fragmented its montane forest habitat into isolated patches. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions, while climate change poses additional risks to its high-altitude forest ecosystem.

Threat summary

Habitat

This arboreal rodent inhabits montane Atlantic Forest remnants in the Mantiqueira Mountains of southeastern Brazil, typically found in primary and secondary forests at elevations above 1,000 meters. The species depends on dense forest canopy for shelter and foraging, particularly favoring areas with abundant epiphytes and diverse tree species.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Conservation measures underway

Awareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Mantiqueira Atlantic Tree Rat classified as Critically Endangered?
Mantiqueira Atlantic Tree Rat is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Phyllomys mantiqueirensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the world's most endangered biomes. Deforestation for agriculture, urban expansion, and infrastructure development has fragmented its montane forest habitat into isolated patches. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions, while climate change poses additional risks to its high-altitude forest ecosystem.
Where does Mantiqueira Atlantic Tree Rat live?
Mantiqueira Atlantic Tree Rat occurs in Brazil. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Mantiqueira Atlantic Tree Rat?
The main threats to Mantiqueira Atlantic Tree Rat are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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