VU

South American Spiny Mouse

Scolomys melanops

Unknown

Overview

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

The South American Spiny Mouse faces mounting pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its Amazonian range, with palm oil plantations and cattle ranching fragmenting its forest habitat. Mining activities and road construction further degrade remaining forest patches, while climate change alters precipitation patterns critical for the humid forest ecosystems this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits humid lowland rainforests and secondary forest areas throughout the Amazon Basin, typically found in dense understory vegetation and forest floor environments. It prefers areas with thick leaf litter and fallen logs that provide cover and foraging opportunities.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is South American Spiny Mouse classified as Vulnerable?
South American Spiny Mouse is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The South American Spiny Mouse faces mounting pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its Amazonian range, with palm oil plantations and cattle ranching fragmenting its forest habitat. Mining activities and road construction further degrade remaining forest patches, while climate change alters precipitation patterns critical for the humid forest ecosystems this species requires.
Where does South American Spiny Mouse live?
South American Spiny Mouse occurs in Ecuador, Guatemala, and Peru. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to South American Spiny Mouse?
The main threats to South American Spiny Mouse 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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