Expanding the knowledge on a desert sigmodontine rodent in Central Argentina with remarks on its conservation status

Abstract

The monotypic genus Salinomys (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) includes tiny mice with specialist adaptations to desert habitats characteristic of Argentinian shrubland. We report on a population of Salinomys delicatus from Central La Pampa Province, Argentina, representing a 450 km southerly extension to its known distribution. Importantly, this stresses the necessity for further discussion of the validity of its conservation status, recently updated from Data Deficient to Vulnerable. Furthermore, we highlight aspects from its morphology that could help in future proper identification of specimens. Finally, we propose thatthis species should be retained as Data Deficient pending additional investigation.