Occurence and shelter use by Wiedomys pyrrhorhinus (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in caatinga areas at Sergipe, Brazill

Abstract

The rodent Wiedomys pyrrhorhinus is considered an endemic species of the Caatinga biome, being registered in different states of northeast of Brazil. This species presents arboreal and terrestrial habits and occurs in open areas and rocky formations in its biome. This study presents the first record of this species in the state of Sergipe, in four localities. The study also shows the utilization of nests as shelter by this specie. At caatinga’s areas, characterized by trees and shrubs vegetation and a rocky landscape, Shermann and pitfall traps were used for mammalian sample. The individuals were captured at three locations in the municipality of Canindé de São Francisco. Two individuals of W. pyrrhorhinus were also observed sheltering in nests with dry grass tangled in Pilosocereus gounellei, approximately 1.26 m above the ground, early afternoon. These nests were abandoned, however there were still signs of birds (feathers) and had an ovoid form, with one opening perpendicular to the ground.