Research Article
Print
Research Article
A Taxonomic Odyssey: An annotated checklist of Peromyscus (Cricetidae, Rodentia) in Honduras
expand article infoCeleste M. López‡§, Manfredo A. Turcios-Casco‡§, Eric van den Berghe|, Nicté Ordóñez-Garza, Martin R. Alvarez‡
‡ Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
§ Asociación para la Sostenibilidad e Investigación Científica en Honduras (ASICH), Francisco Morazán, Honduras
| Ambiente y Desarrollo, Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, Francisco Morazán, Honduras
¶ University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America

Corresponding author: Celeste M. López ( cmlopez.ppgzoo@uesc.br )

Academic editor: Raquel López-Antoñanzas
© 2024 Celeste M. López, Manfredo A. Turcios-Casco, Eric van den Berghe, Nicté Ordóñez-Garza, Martin R. Alvarez.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation: López CM, Turcios-Casco MA, van den Berghe E, Ordóñez-Garza N, Alvarez MR (2024) A Taxonomic Odyssey: An annotated checklist of Peromyscus (Cricetidae, Rodentia) in Honduras. ZooKeys 1218: 315-332. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1218.126535
ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:07736FD6-4E16-4741-852F-2020E64EEE60
Open Access

Abstract

Deer mice, Peromyscus, thrive in diverse environments and altitudes across North and Central America. The number of extant species continues to be debated with species counts ranging from 53 to 83. This study represents the first comprehensive historical and taxonomic account of the genus Peromyscus for Honduras. We systematically compiled records from all available sources, incorporating verified genetic and morphological evidence. We confirm the presence of P. beatae, P. cordillerae, P. nicaraguae, P. salvadorensis and P. stirtoni for Honduras. The distribution maps provided here include confirmed records and approximate localities in a few cases and offer insights into the geographical distribution of these species in Honduras. Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the taxonomic status of Peromyscus in Honduras is imperative to achieve accurate conservation assessments within the larger Mesoamerican landscape. The present review establishes the baseline for future research on deer mice in Honduras, aiding in the validation of distributions and ecological data for the poorly understood genus Peromyscus in the country.

Key words

Central America, Deer mice, geographical distribution, historical review, systematics, taxonomy

Introduction

Deer mice, family Cricetidae Fischer, 1817, subfamily Neotominae Merriam, 1894 (Pardiñas et al. 2017), genus Peromyscus Gloger, 1841 defined by Platt et al. (2015), are a diverse group. According to Dawson (2005), deer mice underwent significant diversification during the Pleistocene, and they are currently distributed from Alaska to Panamá (Hall 1981; Bradley et al. 2016; Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2016). Peromyscus thrive in diverse habitats, encompassing deserts and rain forests in both temperate and tropical climates (Tiemann-Boege et al. 2000) from sea level to 4300 meters above sea level (Bedford and Hoekstra 2015).

The high rate of diversification has posed a challenge in clarifying the taxonomic relationships within this genus and has generated ongoing controversy regarding the number of Peromyscus species (Osgood 1909; Carleton 1989; Bradley et al. 2007; Miller and Engstrom 2008; Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015). Hooper and Musser (1964) initially proposed 59 species within the genus Peromyscus. Subsequently, Hooper (1968) reduced the count to 57 species, upheld by Carleton (1989) and Musser and Carleton (1993). However, Musser and Carleton (2005) reduced the count to 56 species. Later, Platt et al. (2015), confirmed 53 species based on genetic analysis. Pardiñas et al. (2017) and Hernández-Canchola et al. (2022) then suggested 66 species. Presently, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System–ITIS (2024) recognizes 58 Peromyscus species, in contrast with the 83 species cataloged by the American Society of Mammalogists in their Mammal Diversity Database (ASM 2024).

In the last ten years, we have witnessed a significant shift in our understanding of deer mice taxonomy and systematics based on a series of prominent research studies (e.g., Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015, 2016; Platt et al. 2015; Bradley et al. 2016, 2017; Álvarez-Castañeda et al. 2019; Kilpatrick et al. 2021; Bradley et al. 2022). These studies have been pivotal in understanding the systematic, taxonomic, and biogeographical diversity within Peromyscus in the Mesoamerican region.

In Central America, approximately 15 species of deer mice have been documented (Musser 1969; Bradley et al. 2000; Ordóñez-Garza et al. 2010; Trujano-Álvarez and Álvarez-Castañeda, 2010; Lorenzo et al. 2016; Matson et al. 2016; Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2016; Álvarez-Castañeda et al. 2019; Ramírez-Fernández et al. 2023; ASM 2024). However, in most Central American countries, the total number of species has not yet been conclusively determined. This is due to the synonymy of some species (e.g., Kilpatrick et al. 2021). while some subspecies have been elevated to species level (e.g., Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015). This shifting landscape highlights the taxonomic complexity within this genus and underscores the need for ongoing research to achieve a more precise understanding of the number of species in northern Central America, including Honduras. For example, 13 species are recognized in Guatemala (five endemic), four in El Salvador, and three in Nicaragua (ASM 2024). We explored the latest scientific literature and historical revisions of Peromyscus, specifically focusing on specimens from Honduras to construct a comprehensive annotated checklist of this genus in Honduras. We relied on specimens housed in museums or that were confirmed by genetic and morphological studies to generate distribution maps.

Materials and methods

Study area

Honduras covers 112,492 km2 making it the second-largest country in the Central American Isthmus (Hernández Oré et al. 2016). Positioned at the core of Central America, this region is one of the Earth’s biodiversity hotspots (Mittermeier et al. 1999), owing to its elevation and climatic diversity.

Geologically, the Honduran territory is part of the Chortís Block (Fig. 1), which includes the western highlands and the central plateau of Chortís (Marshall 2007) in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (Dengo 1968). This area is characterized by mountain ranges separated by a discontinuous series of north-trending small rift valleys, featuring late Miocene to Quaternary soils (Burkart and Self 1985; Marshall 2007). The mountainous geography results in notable elevations in various parts of the country with notable peaks that include 2870 m a.s.l. in Celaque National Park to the west, 2454 m a.s.l. in the Nombre de Dios mountain range, and 2435 m a.s.l. in Pico Bonito National Park to the north. In the northwest, in the Santa Barbara Mountain National Park elevations reach 2777 m a.s.l., whereas in the central region they reach 2420 m a.s.l., and in the eastern region, they attain 2351 m a.s.l. (Townsend 2014; Matson et al. 2016). This mountainous topography gradually gives way to the Lowland Province of the Mosquitia Coast (<450 m a.s.l.), characterized by an extensive alluvial plain in the eastern strip of the Caribbean coast (Marshall 2007). The Honduran Pacific coast, featuring the Gulf of Fonseca, is characterized by extensive estuaries, lagoon systems, and mangrove forest in coastal plains, punctuated by volcanoes (Bengtson 1926; Dunbar et al. 2020).

Figure 1. 

Representation of the Chortís Block within Central America. Adapted from Marshall (2007).

Preserved specimens

We compiled historical records of Peromyscus in Honduras using Goodwin (1941, 1942) as a basis, as well as information available on Global Biodiversity Information Facility–GBIF.org (2023) concerning the specimens housed in the museums. This allowed us to gather a broad range of taxonomic and distributional information on Peromyscus in Honduras. We also reviewed the modifications over time in the taxonomic classification of the species of Peromyscus living in Honduras (e.g., Hall and Kelson 1959; Musser 1969; Carleton 1989; Bradley et al. 2000, 2007; Ordóñez-Garza et al. 2010; Trujano-Álvarez and Álvarez-Castañeda 2010; Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015, 2016; Bradley et al. 2016; Matson et al. 2016; Kilpatrick et al. 2021; Bradley et al. 2022; León-Tapia et al. 2022).

Taxonomic accounts

We considered only those species, whose identification has been confirmed by external and cranial morphology and morphometry (Goodwin 1942; Musser 1969; Carleton 1979; Matson et al. 2016). We also reviewed the literature (Hall 1981; Musser and Carleton 2005; Trujano-Álvarez and Álvarez-Castañeda 2010), karyotypic analyses (Bradley and Ensink 1987; Peppers et al. 1999), cytological-taxonomic studies (von Lehmann and Schaefer 1979), as well as biogeography and phylogenetic studies (Sullivan et al. 1997; Bradley et al. 2000; Bradley et al. 2007; Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015, 2016; Bradley et al. 2016; Kilpatrick et al. 2021). This information is summarized in Tables 1–3.

Table 1.
Download as
CSV
XLSX

Summary of the systematic history and taxonomical arrangements of P. beatae in Honduras.

Reference Taxonomical history of P. beatae Scope of their methodology
Goodwin (1942) P. boylii sacarensis was the only one of P. boylii group External and cranial morphology and morphometry of collected specimens
Hall (1981) P. b. sacarensis was maintained as a subspecies Based on external and cranial descriptions of museum specimens and marginal records of the distribution
Bradley and Ensink (1987) Continued to recognize the subspecies P. b. sacarensis Karyotypic analyses
Bradley et al. (2000) Reassigned P. b. sacarensis with P. beatae Analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene in P. b. sacarensis
This study Recognized P. beatae as the only species of the P. boylii group in Honduras Bibliographic taxonomic review
Table 2.
Download as
CSV
XLSX

Summary of the systematic history and taxonomical arrangements of P. cordillerae in Honduras.

Reference Taxonomical history of P. cordillerae Scope of their methodology
Goodwin (1942) Considered P. mexicanus saxatilis and P. hondurensis as separate species External and cranial morphology and morphometry of collected specimens
Musser (1969) Referred to the specimens previously cited as P. mexicanus saxatilis and P. hondurensis to be P. oaxacensis External and cranial morphology and morphometry of preserved specimens
von Lehmann and Schaefer (1979) P. hondurensis was still considered a valid species even though it had already been synonymized by previous studies Cytological-taxonomic studies, including sperm analysis, morphology, and comparative cytochemistry
Carleton (1979) P. aztecus oaxacensis was synonymized with P. oaxacensis and P. hondurensis External and cranial morphology and morphometry of preserved specimens.
Hall (1981) Referred to specimens previously cited as P. oaxacensis and P. hondurensis to be P. oaxacensis Based on external and cranial descriptions of museum specimens and marginal records of the distribution
Sullivan et al. (1997) Presented evidence indicating that subspecies P. a. oaxacensis in the south and east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec represents a distinct species Phylogeography based on phylogenetic analyses of 668 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene
Musser and Carleton (2005) Continued to recognize the subspecies P. a. oaxacensis, emphasizing the need for further scrutiny in the populations mentioned by Sullivan et al. (1997) Bibliographical review
Matson et al. (2016) Considered P. oaxacensis as the species for Honduras within the P. aztecus group* External and cranial morphology and morphometry of collected specimens
Kilpatrick et al. (2021) Recognized the subspecies P. cordillerae hondurensis for the population in Honduras considered as P. a. oaxacensis Molecular data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene
This study Consider P. cordillerae hondurensis for all representatives of the Peromyscus aztecus group for Honduras including the following synonyms: P. oaxacensis, P. hondurensis, P. aztecus, and P. a. oaxacensis Bibliographic taxonomic review

*Matson et al. (2016) relied on the description by Bradley et al. (2014) for their records in eastern Honduras. However, Bradley et al. (2014) did not utilize specimens from the P. aztecus group from Honduras in their comparisons.
Table 3.
Download as
CSV
XLSX

Summary of the systematic history and taxonomical arrangements of P. nicaraguae and P. salvadorensis in Honduras.

Reference Summarized taxonomical history of P. nicaraguae and P. salvadorensis Scope of their methodology
Goodwin (1942) Considered P. mexicanus saxatilis and P. guatemalensis tropicalis as separate species External and cranial morphology and morphometry of collected specimens
Musser (1969) Referred to specimens cited as of P. guatemalensis tropicalis to be P. m. saxatilis External and cranial morphology and morphometry of preserved specimens
Hall (1981) Maintained P. m. saxatilis as the species to occur in Honduras Based on external and cranial descriptions of museum specimens and marginal records of the distribution
Bradley and Ensink (1987) Supported the recognition of P. m. saxatilis for Honduras Karyotypic analyses
Trujano-Álvarez and Álvarez-Castañeda (2010) Considered P. m. saxatilis to occur in Honduras Mammalian Species review for P. mexicanus
Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez (2015, 2016) Resurrected P. nicaraguae and P. salvadorensis from synonymy with P. m. saxatilis Molecular analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, phylogenetic studies, and assessments of genetic diversity and lineage differentiation
Bradley et al. (2016) Reaffirmed P. nicaraguae as a valid species in Honduras. Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the cytochrome b gene
Matson et al. (2016) Supported the designation of P. nicaraguae and P. salvadorensis as proper species that occurs in Honduras External and cranial morphology and morphometry of collected specimens
This study Recognized P. nicaraguae as well as two morphotypes of P. salvadorensis supporting the hypothesis of Pérez-Consuegra et al. (2015, 2016) Bibliographic taxonomic review

The GBIF.org dataset (2023) of museum specimens was downloaded for the distributions of P. beatae Thomas, 1903 and P. stirtoni Dickey, 1928 because these are the only species that had not experienced substantial taxonomic changes; and for P. stirtoni we did not present any table because its epithet has not changed since its description (Jones 1990). Citizen science observations (e.g., iNaturalist) were not considered for any species; additionally, we present the elevation ranges as well as the departments and the ecoregions, where their occurrence has been confirmed (see Figs 2–6; Suppl. material 1).

Figure 2. 

Distribution of P. beatae in Honduras.

Distribution map

For the creation of the distribution maps, we used QGIS Desktop software version 3.28.11 and included only the records that were confirmed following the previously mentioned criteria. Specimens without locality coordinates were approximated based on the verbatim descriptions (see Figs 2–6; Suppl. material 1). Elevations were also corroborated (see observations in Suppl. material 1). The ecoregions defined by Olson et al. (2001), were presented for each species (see Figs 2–6; Suppl. material 1).

Museum abbreviations

The museum abbreviations are as follows: AMNH = American Museum of Natural History; CMNH = Carnegie Museum of Natural History; TCWC = Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, Texas A&M University; TTU = Texas Tech University Museum; UF = Florida Museum of Natural History; USNM = Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History; and UNAH = Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras.

Results

Based on our examination it seems that five species are present in the territory of Honduras, and 825 specimens of Peromyscus are housed in the zoological collections in natural history museums; from the latter, we only considered 254 specimens that were confirmed by recent studies and in accordance with the current taxonomy (see Suppl. material 1). About a third of these museum specimens have been employed in studies to report on this group within the country (see Bradley et al. 2000, 2007, 2016, 2022; Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez‐Domínguez 2015, 2016; Matson et al. 2016).

Species accounts

Based on our review, the species of Peromyscus that occur in Honduras are described below.

Rodentia Bowdich, 1821

Myomorpha Brandt, 1855

Muroidea Illiger, 1811

Cricetidae Fischer, 1817

Neotominae Merriam, 1894

Peromyscus Gloger, 1841

Peromyscus boylii group

Peromyscus beatae Thomas, 1903

Distribution

Comayagua, Francisco Morazán, and Lempira departments (Fig. 2).

Ecoregions and elevation

Central American montane, dry, and pine-oak forests (300–2850 m a.s.l.).

Comments

The taxonomic classification of the P. boylii group has not undergone significant changes. However, Bradley et al. (2000) analyzed the taxonomy of the subspecies P. boylii sacarensis Dickey, 1928 using DNA sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. As a result of this study, it is now considered as P. beatae (Bradley et al. 2000, 2017) (Table 1). Thus, specimens previously identified as P. b. sacarensis in Honduras should now be recognized as individuals of P. beatae. We verified the coordinates provided by Bradley et al. (2000), and the approximate coordinates corresponding to “2 mi NE El Hatillo” and “10 mi SE Tegucigalpa” and found them to be incorrectly attributed to the Olancho Department; these specimens belong to the department of Francisco Morazán. Cassola (2016) suggested the occurrence of P. beatae in other regions in western Honduras, but no tangible evidence corroborates this speculation.

Peromyscus aztecus group

Peromyscus cordillerae Dickey, 1928

Distribution

Lempira and La Paz departments (Fig. 3).

Ecoregions and elevation

Central American dry and pine-oak forests (1129–1984 m a.s.l.).

Comments

The individuals from Honduras that Goodwin (1942) had identified as P. mexicanus saxatilis Merriam, 1898 were considered to belong to P. oaxacensis Merriam, 1898, (P. aztecus group) by Musser (1969). Similarly, Musser (1969) indicated that the species cataloged as P. hondurensis Goodwin, 1941 by Goodwin (1942) also belonged to P. oaxacensis. Recently, Kilpatrick et al. (2021) treated P. oaxacensis as a subspecies of P. aztecus (Saussure, 1860) restricted to Mexico. Additionally, P. cordillerae refers to all members of the P. aztecus species group within the southeast of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and two subspecies have been provisionally proposed: one from the Cahuatique locality, as P. cordillerae cordillerae, and the other, P. cordillerae hondurensis for western Honduras (Table 2). Therefore, we should treat Honduran specimens referenced as P. oaxacensis, P. aztecus, P. aztecus oaxacensis, and P. hondurensis as pertaining to P. c. hondurensis (Musser 1969; Carleton 1979; Hall 1981; Kilpatrick et al. 2021). This group requires additional study in eastern Honduras and confirmation of its presence in other regions of the country. For example, Matson et al. (2016) identified P. oaxacensis (Table 2) based on its external morphology in the Sierra de Agalta National Park, situated in eastern Honduras, in the department of Olancho. This area is not part of the potential distribution proposed by Kilpatrick et al. (2021) which included the departments Choluteca, Comayagua, Copán, El Paraíso, Intibucá, Francisco Morazán, Ocotepeque, Santa Barbara, and Valle. Hence, it is crucial to verify these specimens and historical records before making any taxonomic reassignment.

Figure 3. 

Distribution of P. cordillerae in Honduras.

Peromyscus mexicanus group

Peromyscus nicaraguae J. A. Allen (1908)

Distribution

Colón, Comayagua, Francisco Morazán, and Olancho departments (Fig. 4).

Ecoregions and elevation

Central American montane, Atlantic moist forests, and pine-oak forests (1261–2030 m a.s.l.).

Comments

Peromyscus nicaraguae, originally considered a distinct species, was later placed under P. mexicanus saxatilis. In a subsequent review, Musser (1969) reexamined the collections presented by Goodwin in 1942 in Honduras and determined that individuals previously identified as P. guatemalensis tropicalis Goodwin, 1932 should be reclassified as P. m. saxatilis, both taxa being part of the P. mexicanus group. A recent taxonomic assessment conducted by Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez (2015) significantly revised the P. mexicanus species group. Three junior synonyms were elevated to independent species status: P. tropicalis (formerly P. g. tropicalis), P. nicaraguae (previously P. mexicanus nicaraguae), and P. salvadorensis (Dickey 1928) (formerly P. mexicanus salvadorensis) (Table 3), these changes were based on the synonymy of P. m. saxatilis provided by Trujano-Álvarez and Álvarez-Castañeda (2010). Bradley et al. (2016) reported the northernmost locality in Honduras for this species in Capiro and Calentura National Park, without providing coordinates; therefore, it was approximated. However, the elevations in this area range from 600–1200 m a.s.l., suggesting that the species may occur at lower elevations in Honduras.

Figure 4. 

Distribution of P. nicaraguae in Honduras.

Peromyscus salvadorensis (Dickey 1928)

Distribution

Lempira Department (Fig. 5).

Ecoregions and elevation

Central American montane forests (1430–2870 m a.s.l.).

Comments

Another species within the P. mexicanus group in Honduras is P. salvadorensis (Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015, 2016). Recent research indicates the presence of two lineages in the country: “lineage M” and “lineage L”, both displaying cryptic morphometric characteristics indicating a possible undescribed species (Table 3; Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015). According to Pérez-Consuegra and Vásquez-Domínguez (2016), however, both lineages inhabit mid to high elevations. Nevertheless, the specimens from lineages M and L reported in Pérez-Consuegra and Vásquez-Domínguez (2016), originate exclusively from the Celaque National Park in western Honduras.

Figure 5. 

Distribution of P. salvadorensis in Honduras.

P. nicaraguae and P. salvadorensis may be cryptic within their distribution ranges (Pérez-Consuegra and Vásquez-Domínguez 2016); however, these species are currently considered allopatric because P. salvadorensis has only been confirmed in western Honduras, and P. nicaraguae is documented in the central-eastern region of the country.

Peromyscus stirtoni Dickey, 1928

Distribution

Choluteca, Francisco Morazán, El Paraíso, and Valle departments (Fig. 6).

Ecoregions and elevation

Central American dry and pine-oak forests (200–900 m a.s.l.).

Comments

P. stirtoni was initially assigned to the P. mexicanus group (Hall and Kelson 1959). However, this placement was questioned and considered provisional by Carleton (1989). Subsequent mtDNA studies conducted by Bradley et al. (2007) and Ordóñez-Garza et al. (2010) suggested that P. stirtoni should be placed within the P. megalops species group. León-Tapia et al. (2022) reported that P. stirtoni forms a well-supported monophyletic lineage, but it is important to note its close relationship with lowland species, including the P. megalops group. In contrast, Bradley et al. (2016) considered P. stirtoni to be in the P. mexicanus group. Timm (2016) suggested that P. stirtoni might occur in La Paz, southern Comayagua, Lempira, Ocotepeque, and Intibucá departments, but this remains to be confirmed.

Figure 6. 

Distribution of P. stirtoni in Honduras.

Discussion

The Peromyscus genus in Honduras includes five recognized species: P. beatae, P. cordillerae, P. nicaraguae, P. salvadorensis, and P. stirtoni. However, this count might underestimate the actual diversity, and there could be additional Peromyscus species in Honduras. For example, there are potentially isolated populations of P. nicaraguae in northern and eastern Honduras (Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015, 2016; Matson et al. 2016). Similarly, the individuals identified by Matson et al. (2016) as “P. oaxacensis”, (currently P. cordillerae) in eastern Honduras deposited at the CMNH (Suppl. material 1) could yield additional species. Although the specimens from this museum are undergoing genetic studies (e.g., Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015, 2016), the review of the individuals identified as P. oaxacensis is of utmost importance as morphological and ecological evidence is required to confirm the distribution of P. cordillerae in Honduras (Kilpatrick et al. 2021).

The confirmed species count for the country might reflect the limited studies conducted on the genus in Honduras, primarily relying on specimens from museum collectors’ or curators’ identifications within historical collections. The uncertainty regarding the identity of Honduran Peromyscus individuals underscores the importance of validating historical specimens in the respective collections (Turcios-Casco et al. 2024), such as the ones of Peromyscus at the AMNH. This museum houses the largest collection of Peromyscus specimens (270) from Honduras and is comprised of specimens collected by one prominent mammalian collector for Honduras, C. F. Underwood, dating back to 1937. In contrast, the second-largest collection is deposited at the CMNH, has been used to demonstrate the presence of the genus in the country (Matson et al. 2016) and for taxonomic studies, such as those within the P. mexicanus and P. boylii groups (see Bradley et al. 2000; Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015, 2016; Bradley et al. 2016, 2017). Remarkably, there are regions in Honduras where the only known specimens are historical ones. For instance, the sole known specimens of Peromyscus from the La Paz Department were collected by C. F. Underwood in the 1930s (Goodwin 1942). Certain isolated specimens are regarded as genetic taxonomic units by some researchers, while others classify them as distinct forms. For instance, Kilpatrick et al. (2021) mentioned that the specimen TTU 83698 (TK 101037) labeled as P. mexicanus from La Tigra National Park (Francisco Morazán) was identified as P. a. oaxacensis in GenBank. However, the molecular analyses in Kilpatrick et al. (2021) suggest that the sequence of TK 101037 from Honduras aligns more closely with P. nudipes J.A. Allen, 1891 (sequence accession number FJ214675); and they proposed the possibility of contamination of this sequence with another taxon. We found no evidence confirming the presence of P. nudipes in Honduras. It is possible that similar cases may involve incorrect identification, however, we cannot confirm this possibility because we have not conducted reviews of specimens in scientific collections. On the other hand, P. gymnotis Thomas, 1894 is considered as potentially distributed in Honduras according to The International Union for the Conservation of Nature–IUCN (Vázquez and Reid 2016). In addition, Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez Domínguez (2015) mentioned that P. salvadorensis (resurrected and elevated from synonymy with P. m. saxatilis) has been confused in the past with P. gymnotis. Hence, we propose a comprehensive examination of specimens from western and southwestern Honduras, where the species is anticipated to occur. Additionally, further collections from this region are essential to validate the presence of P. gymnotis.

From a conservation perspective, it is crucial to consider taxonomic checklists or reviews, as the work presented herein, because ignoring them can result in inaccurate conservation assessments. For instance, P. gymnotis is categorized as Data Deficient (DD) in the Red List of Honduras (WCS 2021). Unfortunately, P. gymnotis in Honduras has not been confirmed yet. Regrettably, in some cases, national classifications depend on extrapolating data, such as species expected to inhabit a particular area based on geographic proximity or limited available information, which can be misleading (e.g., Reid 2009). Similarly, P. beatae and P. stirtoni are categorized as DD in the Honduran Red List (WCS 2021); even though their presence has been confirmed additional information regarding their distribution, ecology, and natural history remains unknown. This classification in the Honduran Red List (WCS 2021) emphasizes the importance of conducting updated studies to accurately determine their true threat level and to propose and implement effective management measures for protecting their populations at the national level. For example, P. mexicanus sensu lato could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of protected area management (Cobo-Simón et al. 2018). However, it is essential to consider that in this region, three species of the P. mexicanus group (Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2016; Bradley et al. 2016) and four species of the genus (P. beatae, P. cordillerae, P. nicaraguae, and P. stirtoni) could potentially coexist (see Figs 2–4, 6); all Peromyscus species for Honduras share significant similarities in their external morphology (Musser 1969; Hall 1981; Carleton 1989; Pérez-Consuegra and Vázquez-Domínguez 2015, 2016; León-Tapia et al. 2022).

The P. mexicanus group is known for exhibiting allopatric distributions with respect to its congeners, leading to cryptic speciation with conservative morphology (Ornelas et al. 2013; Pérez-Consuegra and Vásquez-Domínguez (2016)). This makes precise identification a challenge for research in the country (e.g., Cobo-Simón et al. 2018; Hoskins et al. 2018). Conservative morphology has also been mentioned for other groups of Peromyscus occurring in Honduras, such as P. boylii (Baird, 1855) and P. aztecus (Schmidly et al. 1988; Bradley et al. 2004, 2017), so elucidating both external and cranial morphological differences of Peromyscus should be a top priority. This is especially important because geographic variation complicates identification (Hall 1981). Previous studies must be complemented with geographic distribution, ecology, and the use of modern molecular techniques, such as mitochondrial DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Bradley et al. (2016) have employed these techniques to clarify the systematics of P. nudipes and P. nicaraguae, including specimens previously assigned to P. nudipes hesperus Harris, 1940 and P. nudipes orientalis Goodwin, 1938 from Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panamá. This integration of molecular data with information from genetic databases like GenBank facilitates the assessment of genetic variability within Peromyscus, paving the way for future research in this field (Bradley et al. 2016).

This review serves as a crucial foundation for future investigations, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of species diversity and the taxonomy of Peromyscus in the region. By addressing taxonomic uncertainties and consolidating available data, this study paves the way for more accurate conservation assessments and informed management strategies. It also sets a precedent for ongoing research efforts aimed at elucidating the biodiversity and evolutionary history of Peromyscus species within the Honduran context.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Santiago Alvarez Martinez for his English language corrections, to Pablo Teta for his insightful comments on addressing taxonomic issues within these groups. To Raquel López-Antoñanzas, Robert D. Bradley, Christopher J. Glasby, Zdravka Zorkova, and an anonymous reviewer for their valuable contributions that improved earlier versions of the manuscript.

Additional information

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Ethical statement

No ethical statement was reported.

Funding

This research received support from the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC) (073.11016.2021.0017337-09 and 073.11016.2023.0005277-16). We extend our gratitude to Alliance Program for Education and Training of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) for providing masters' scholarships to CML and CAPES – Finance Code 001 for providing a PhD scholarship to MATC. We also acknowledge the Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia at the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC).

Author contributions

Conceptualization: CML, MATC, NOG, MRA. Funding acquisition: MRA. Investigation: CML, MATC, NOG, EVB, MRA. Supervision: EVB, MRA. Writing – original draft: CML, MATC, NOG, EVB, MRA. Review and editing: CML, MATC, NOG, EVB, MRA.

Author ORCIDs

Celeste M. López https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7002-7511

Manfredo A. Turcios-Casco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3198-3834

Eric van den Berghe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7566-0415

Nicté Ordóñez-Garza https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7732-7824

Martin R. Alvarez https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6908-8547

Data availability

All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text or Supplementary Information.

References

  • Allen JA (1908) Mammals from Nicaragua. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 24: 647–670.
  • Álvarez-Castañeda ST, Lorenzo C, Segura-Trujillo CA, Pérez-Consuegra SG (2019) Two new species of Peromyscus from Chiapas, Mexico, and Guatemala. From field to laboratory: a memorial volume in honor of Robert J. Baker. Special Publications, Museum of Texas Tech University 543–558.
  • Bradley RD, Ensink J (1987) Karyotypes of five cricetid rodents from Honduras. The Texas Journal of Science 39: 171–175.
  • Bradley RD, Carroll DS, Haynie ML, Martínez RM, Hamilton MJ, Kilpatrick CW (2004) A new species of Peromyscus from western Mexico. Journal of Mammalogy 85(6): 1184–1193. https://doi.org/10.1644/BEL-113.1
  • Bradley RD, Durish ND, Rogers DS, Miller JR, Engstrom MD, Kilpatrick CW (2007) Toward a molecular phylogeny for Peromyscus: Evidence from mitochondrial cytochrome-b sequences. Journal of Mammalogy 88(5): 1146–1159. https://doi.org/10.1644/06-MAMM-A-342R.1
  • Bradley RD, Ordóñez-Garza N, Sotero-Caio CG, Huynh HM, Kilpatrick CW, Iñíguez-Dávalos LI, Schmidly DJ (2014) Morphometric, karyotypic, and molecular evidence for a new species of Peromyscus (Cricetidae: Neotominae) from Nayarit, Mexico. Journal of Mammalogy 95: 176–186. https://doi.org/10.1644/13-MAMM-A-217
  • Bradley RD, Nuñez-Tabares M, Soniat TJ, Kerr S, Raymond RW, Ordóñez-Garza N (2016) Molecular systematics and phylogeography of Peromyscus nudipes (Cricetidae: Neotominae). In: Manning RW, Goetze JR, Yancey FD II (Eds) Contributions in Natural History: A Memorial Volume in Honor of Clyde Jones. Special Publications Museum of Texas Tech University 65: 201–214.
  • Bradley RD, Ordóñez-Garza N, Ceballos G, Rogers DS, Schmidly DJ (2017) A new species in the Peromyscus boylii species group (Cricetidae: Neotominae) from Michoacán, México. Journal of Mammalogy 98(1): 154–165. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyw160
  • Bradley RD, Ordóñez-Garza N, Thompson CW, Wright EA, Ceballos G, Kilpatrick CW, Schmidly DJ (2022) Two new species of Peromyscus (Cricetidae: Neotominae) from the Transverse Volcanic Belt of Mexico. Journal of Mammalogy 103(2): 255–274. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyab128
  • Carleton MD (1979) Taxonomic status and relationships of Peromyscus boylii from El Salvador. Journal of Mammalogy 60(2): 280–296. https://doi.org/10.2307/1379799
  • Carleton MD (1989) Systematics and Evolution. In: Kirkland GL, Layne JN (Eds) Advances in the Study of Peromyscus (Rodentia). Texas Tech University Press, Lubbock, Texas, 7–141.
  • Cobo-Simón I, Méndez‐Cea B, Portillo H, Elvir F, Vega H, Gallego FJ, Fontecha G (2018) Testing the effectiveness of conservation management within biosphere reserves: The case of the Mexican deer mouse (Peromyscus mexicanus) as a bioindicator. Integrative Zoology 14(5): 422–434. https://doi.org/10.1111/1749-4877.12371
  • Dawson WD (2005) Peromyscine biogeography, Mexican topography and Pleistocene climatology. In: Sánchez-Cordero V, Medellín RA (Eds) Contribuciones mastozoológicas en homenaje a Bernardo Villa. Instituto de Biología, UNAM; Instituto de Ecología, UNAM, CONABIO, 145–156.
  • Dengo G (1968) Estructura geológica, historia tectónica y morfología de América Central. Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico: Centro Regional de Ayuda Técnica Agencia para el Desarrollo Internacional.
  • Dickey DR (1928) Five new mammals of the genus Peromyscus from El Salvador. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 41: 1–6.
  • Dunbar SG, Salinas L, Baumbach D (2020) Marine Turtle Species of Pacific Honduras. Marine Turtle Newsletter 160: 1–6.
  • Goodwin GG (1941) A new Peromyscus from western Honduras. American Museum Novitates, 1121.
  • Hall E (1981) The Mammals of North America. Vols 1 and 2, Ronald Press, New York, 720 pp.
  • Hall E, Kelson KR (1959) The mammals of North America. 2 Vols Ronald Press, 674 pp.
  • Hernández-Canchola G, León-Paniagua L, Esselstyn JA (2022) Mitochondrial DNA and other lines of evidence clarify species diversity in the Peromyscus truei species group (Cricetidae: Neotominae). Mammalia 86(4): 380–392. https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2021-0146
  • Hernández Oré M, De Sousa L, López JH (2016) Honduras: Desatando el potencial económico para mayores oportunidades. Diagnóstico sistemático de país, Banco Mundial, 27 pp.
  • Hooper ET (1968) Classification. In: King JA (Ed.) Biology of Peromyscus (Rodentia). American Society of Mammalogists, Special Publication 2: 27–74.
  • Hooper ET, Musser GG (1964) Notes on classification of the rodent genus Peromyscus. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan 635: 1–13.
  • Hoskins HMJ, Burdekin OJ, Dicks K, Slater KY, McCann NP, Jocque M, Castañeda F, Reid N (2018) Non-volant mammal inventory of Cusuco National Park, north-west Honduras: Reporting the presence of Jaguar, Panthera onca (Linnaeus, 1758), and demonstrating the effects of zonal protection on mammalian abundance. Check List 14(5): 877–891. https://doi.org/10.15560/14.5.877
  • Kilpatrick CW, Pradhan N, Norris RW (2021) A re-examination of the molecular systematics and phylogeography of taxa of the Peromyscus aztecus species group, with comments on the distribution of P. winkelmanni. Therya 12(2): 331–346. https://doi.org/10.12933/therya-21-1115
  • León-Tapia MÁ, Rico Y, Fernández JA, Espinosa de los Monteros A (2022) Molecular, morphometric, and spatial data analyses provide new insights into the evolutionary history of the Peromyscus boylii species complex (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in the mountains of Mexico. Systematics and Biodiversity 20(1): 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2022.2127966
  • Lorenzo C, Álvarez-Castañeda ST, Pérez-Consuegra SG, Patton JL (2016) Revision of the Chiapan deer mouse, Peromyscus zarhynchus, with the description of a new species. Journal of Mammalogy 97(3): 910–918. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyw018
  • Marshall JS (2007) The geomorphology and physiographic provinces of Central America. In: Bundschuc J, Alvarado GE (Eds) Central America: Geology, Resources and Hazards. T&F: Tokyo, Japan, 1436 pp. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203947043.pt2
  • Matson JO, Eckerlin RP, Consuegra SGP, Ordóñez-Garza N (2016) Small mammals from three mountain ranges in nuclear central America. Annals of the Carnegie Museum 83(4): 269–285. https://doi.org/10.2992/007.083.0403
  • Miller JR, Engstrom MD (2008) The relationships of major lineages within peromyscine rodents: A molecular phylogenetic hypothesis and systematic reappraisal. Journal of Mammalogy 89(5): 1279–1295. https://doi.org/10.1644/07-MAMM-A-195.1
  • Mittermeier RA, Myers N, Mittermeier CG (1999) Hotspots: earth’s biologically richest and most endangered terrestrial ecoregions. CEMAX, S. A., Mexico City, 430 pp.
  • Musser GG (1969) Notes on Peromyscus (Muridae) of Mexico and Central America. American Museum Novitates 2357: 1–23.
  • Musser GG, Carleton MD (1993) Family Muridae. In: Wilson DE, Reeder DM (Eds) Mammal Species of the World, a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Smithsonian Institution Press Washington, U.S.A., 501–755.
  • Musser GG, Carleton MD (2005) Superfamily Muroidea. In: Wilson DE, Reeder DM (Eds) Mammal Species of the World, a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 894–1531.
  • Olson DM, Dinerstein E, Wikramanayake ED, Burgess ND, Powell GVN, Underwood EC, D’Amico JA, Itoua I, Strand HE, Morrison JC, Loucks CJ, Allnutt TF, Ricketts TH, Kura Y, Lamoreux JF, Wettengel WW, Hedao P, Kassem KR (2001) Terrestrial ecoregions of the world: A new map of life on Earth. Bioscience 51(11): 933–938. https://doi.org/10.1641/0006-3568(2001)051[0933:TEOTWA]2.0.CO;2
  • Ordóñez-Garza N, Matson JO, Strauss RE, Bradley RD, Salazar-Bravo J (2010) Patterns of phenotypic and genetic variation in three species of endemic Mesoamerican Peromyscus (Rodentia: Cricetidae). Journal of Mammalogy 91(4): 848–859. https://doi.org/10.1644/09-MAMM-A-167.1
  • Ornelas JF, Sosa V, Soltis DE, Daza JM, González C, Soltis PS, Gutiérrez-Rodríguez C, de los Monteros AE, Castoe TA, Bell C, Ruíz-Sanchez E (2013) Comparative Phylogeographic Analyses Illustrate the Complex Evolutionary History of Threatened Cloud Forests of Northern Mesoamerica. PLoS ONE 8(2): e56283. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0056283
  • Pardiñas UFJ, Ruelas D, Brito J, Bradley LC, Bradley RD, Ordóñez Garza N, Kryštufek B, Cook JA, Cuéllar Soto E, Salazar-Bravo J, Shenbrot GI, Chiquito EA, Percequillo AR, Prado JR, Haslauer R, Patton JL, León-Paniagua L (2017) Cricetidae (true hamsters, voles, lemmings and new world rats and mice) -species accounts of Cricetidae. In: Wilson DE, Lacher Jr TE, Mittermeier RA (Eds) Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, 280–535.
  • Peppers JA, Owen JG, Bradley RD (1999) The Karyotype of Peromyscus stirtoni (Rodentia: Muridae). The Southwestern Naturalist 44(1): 109–112.
  • Pérez-Consuegra SG, Vázquez-Domínguez E (2015) Mitochondrial diversification of the Peromyscus mexicanus species group in Nuclear Central America: Biogeographic and taxonomic implications. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 53(4): 300–311. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzs.12099
  • Pérez-Consuegra SG, Vázquez-Domínguez E (2016) Intricate evolutionary histories in montane species: a phylogenetic window into craniodental discrimination in the Peromyscus mexicanus species group (Mammalia: Rodentia: Cricetidae). Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 55(1): 57–72. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzs.12155
  • Platt RN II, Amman BR, Keith MS, Thompson CW, Bradley RD (2015) What is Peromyscus? Evidence from nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences suggests the need for a new classification. Journal of Mammalogy 96(4): 708–719. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyv067
  • Ramírez-Fernández JD, Barrantes G, Sánchez-Quirós C, Rodríguez-Herrera B (2023) Habitat use, richness, and abundance of native mice in the highlands of the Talamanca Mountain range, Costa Rica. Therya 14(1): 49–54. https://doi.org/10.12933/therya-23-2227
  • Reid FA (2009) A field guide to the Mammals of Southeast Mexico and Central America. 2nd edn. New York: Oxford University Press, 346 pp.
  • Schmidly DJ, Bradley RD, Cato PS (1988) Morphometric differentiation and taxonomy of three chromosomally characterized groups of Peromyscus boylii from east-central Mexico. Journal of Mammalogy 69(3): 462–480. https://doi.org/10.2307/1381338
  • Sullivan J, Markert JA, Kilpatrick CW (1997) Phylogeography and molecular systematics of the Peromyscus aztecus species group (Rodentia: Muridae) inferred using parsimony and likelihood. Systematic Biology 46(3): 426–440. https://doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/46.3.426
  • Tiemann-Boege I, Kilpatrick CW, Schmidly DJ, Bradley RD (2000) Molecular phylogenetics of the Peromyscus boylii species group (Rodentia: Muridae) based on mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 16(3): 366–378. https://doi.org/10.1006/mpev.2000.0806
  • Townsend JH (2014) Characterizing the Chortís block biogeographic province: Geological, physiographic, and ecological associations and herpetofaunal diversity. Mesoamerican Herpetology 1(2): 204–252.
  • Trujano-Álvarez AL, Álvarez-Castañeda ST (2010) Peromyscus mexicanus (Rodentia: Cricetidae). Mammalian Species 42(858): 111–118. https://doi.org/10.1644/858.1
  • Turcios-Casco MA, Cardoso Cláudio V, Lee Jr TE (2024) Back to the future: A preserved specimen validates the presence of Molossus pretiosus (Molossidae, Chiroptera) in Honduras. ZooKeys 1196: 139–148. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1196.116144
  • von Lehmann VE, Schaefer HE (1979) Cytologisch-taxonomische Studien an einer Kleinsäugeraufsammlung aus Honduras (Spermienmorphologie und vergleichende Cytochemie). Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 17(3): 226–236. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0469.1979.tb00703.x
  • WCS (2021) Lista Roja de especies amenazadas de Honduras. WCS, MiAmbiente, UNAH–VS, ICF, IUCN, Tegucigalpa, M.D. C., Honduras, 139 pp.

Supplementary material

Supplementary material 1 

Verified records of Peromyscus in Honduras

Celeste M. López, Manfredo A. Turcios-Casco, Eric van den Berghe, Nicté Ordóñez-Garza, Martin R. Alvarez

Data type: xlsx

Explanation note: Verified occurrence list of Peromyscus species in Honduras, including the museums where they are deposited, catalog numbers, as well as a description for each record including the department, municipality, and locality with geographical coordinates in decimal format and WGS-84 Datum. Please refer to observations for detailed remarks on each specimen.

This dataset is made available under the Open Database License (http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/1.0/). The Open Database License (ODbL) is a license agreement intended to allow users to freely share, modify, and use this Dataset while maintaining this same freedom for others, provided that the original source and author(s) are credited.
Download file (33.72 kb)
login to comment