New distribution reports of Rhagomys rufescens (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) Thomas, 1886.

Abstract

Rhagomys rufescens is a rare, arboreal sigmodontine rodent endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. This species is known from eight localities in Brazil. Here we present a new report based on four individuals of this species registered in Serra do Ouro Branco, municipality of Ouro Branco (Minas Gerais, Brazil). One juvenile male, one adult male and two juvenile females were captured in pitfall traps during the rainy season, in a study of small mammal ecology. This is the first record for the Espinhaço Mountain range and the northernmost report for the species in this state, 85 km northeast of the last registered location.