Natural Resources

Small Mammals of Amistad NRA

Few surveys have been conducted on the mammals of Amistad NRA. All inventory of mammal species found here are based on historical records. The latest mammal survey available to the park was conducted by Rick L. Lobello (1976). There are no other known surveys conducted after 1976 in Amistad NRA. Another source for mammals found in the area is The Mammals of Texas written by Davis and Schmidly (1994). Both these sources utilize historical records to indicate mammals found in this area, thus many of the species are listed in both documents. Most of the large mammals species, from deer to skunks, listed by both sources can still be found in this area. There are few discrepencies between Lobello and Davis & Schmidly. Lobello lists Vulpes vulpa (Red Fox) as questionably being found in Amistad while Davis & Schmidly do not list Vulpes vulpa but instead list Vulpes velox (Kit Fox) as possibly residing in the area. More recently, there has been sightings of both Ursus americanus (Black bear) and Felis concolor (Mountain Lion) traveling through this area. It is also believed that Canis latrans (Coyote) has for the most part been exterminated from the immediate area of Amistad NRA.

Unlike the large mammal species, some small mammal species historically found in Amistad may or may not reside in the area (see Table), change in habitat may explain this. All species listed have been documented historically. Voucher specimens have been collected but at this time their whereabouts have not been determined. Future inventory surveys may be needed. Davis & Schmidly (1994) list four more small mammal species than Lobello as being found in this area. These species are: Chaetodipus penicillatus, Dipodomys ordii, Peromyscus eremicus, and Baiomys taylori.

Species
Common Name
Comments
Cryptotis parva Least Shrew___ Lobello (1976): found on Rio Grande outside of park Notiosorex crawfordi (Desert Shrew) Lobello (1976): found on Rio Grande outside of park
Ammospermophilis interpres Texas Antelope Squirrel___ Historically found in area.
Spermophilus mexicanus Mexican Ground Squirrel___ Common
Spermophilus spilosoma Spotted Ground Squirrel___ Historically found in area
Spermophilus variegatus Rock Squirrel___ Common
Sciurus niger Eastern Fox Squirrel___ Rare in park, abundant in city
Thomomys bottae Botta's pocket gophers___ Historically found in area
Cratogeomys castanops Yellow Faced Pocket Gopher___ Historically found in area
Perognathus merriami Merriam's Pocket Mouse___ Historically found in area
Chaetodipus hispidus Hispid Pocket Mouse___ May not occur in this area anymore
Chaetodipus nelsoni Nelson's Pocket Mouse___ Cited as being found in area (Davis &Schmidly 1994, Lobello 1976)
Chaetodipus penicillatus Desert Pocket Mouse___ Cited as possibly being found in area (Davis &Schmidly 1994)
Dipodomys merriami Merriam's Kangaroo Rat___ Historically found in area
Dipodomys ordii Ord's Kangaroo Rat___ Cited as possibly being found in area (Davis &Schmidly 1994)
Reithrodontomys fulvescens Fulvous harvest mouse___ Historically found in area
Peromyscus eremicus Cactus Mouse___ Cited as possibly being found in area (Davis & Schmidly 1994)
Peromyscus leucopus White-Footed Mouse___ Historically found in area
Peromyscus maniculatus Deer Mouse___ Historically found in area
Peromyscus pectoralis White-Ankled Mouse___ Common
Baiomys taylori Northern Pygmy Mouse___ Cited as possibly being found in area (Davis & Schmidly 1994)
Onychomys leucogaster Northern Grasshopper Mouse___ Historically found in area
Sigmodon hispidus Hispid Cotton Rat___ Rare
Neotoma albigula White-Throated Woodrat___ Common
Neotoma micropus Southern Plains Woodrat___ Historically found in area
Rattus rattus Roof Rat___ Common
Mus musculus House Mouse___ Common
Ondata zibethicus Common Muskrat___ Common
Myocaster coypus Nnutria___ Common

 

Bibliography

Davis, W.B. and D.J. Schmidly. Revised 1994. The Mammals of Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife. 4200 Smith School Road. Austin, TX 78744. Lobello, Rick L. Thesis 1976. Vertebrates of the Lake Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas. Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX 165 pp. Sul Ross State University Vertebrate Collection, 1966-1989

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