Mammals of Middle and South America: Rodentia III

This volume provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of the extraordinary diversity of each Middle and South American extant species of the cricetid tribes Abrotrichini, Andinomyini, Chinchillulini, Delomyini, Euneomyini, Neomicroxini, Phyllotini, Reithrodontini, Rhagomyini, Thomasomyini, and Wiedomyini (plus a single incertae sedis genus). Encompassing more than 200 species accounts, this authoritative reference offers an unparalleled synthesis of current knowledge on a wide array of Neotropical rodents that occupy some of the most diverse habitats on Earth, from tropical rainforests and montane cloud forests to grasslands, deserts, and high-Andean ecosystems. Prepared by an international team of leading specialists, the volume presents detailed accounts of each species, covering taxonomy, distribution, morphology, physiology, genetics, ecology, habitat use, diet, reproduction and development, mortality and age determination, and paleontology. The ecological and economic significance of these rodents is also examined, together with species management and the major challenges facing future research and conservation. By bringing together scattered information from a vast body of scientific literature, the book provides an essential foundation for understanding the evolution, biology, and conservation of this remarkable group. Each chapter is richly illustrated with distribution maps, high-quality photographs, and carefully selected key references, making the volume both scientifically rigorous and accessible to a broad readership. As part of the Handbook of the Mammals of Middle and South America , this book represents an indispensable resource for mammalogists, paleontologists, archaeologists, conservation biologists, wildlife researchers, students, and environmental professionals.