Neotoma goldmani

Geographic Range

Neotoma goldmani , also known as Goldman’s Woodrat, has a geographic range spanning from Eastern Mexico to the Big Bend region of Texas. This species of woodrat might have a continuous distribution extending northward through the mountain ranges of Trans-Pecos Texas and into southeastern New Mexico, however, it is difficult to know for sure, since this is an understudied species. Experts describe the geographic distribution of the species as running from the Chihuahuan desert to northeastern Queretaro. It may exist beyond its currently recognized range.

• Biogeographic Regions
• neotropical neotropical
  • native native

Habitat

Goldman’s woodrat inhabits desert terrestrial biomes, specifically within the rocky desert regions of the Mexican Plateau. Its range extends from southeastern Chihuahua to northeastern Querétaro, where it is typically found along the cliffs and rocky ravines that characterize the landscape. This species occupies elevations ranging from 1,160 to 2,320 meters, favoring rugged terrain that offers both shelter and resources necessary for survival.

• Habitat Regions
• temperate temperate
• terrestrial terrestrial

• Terrestrial Biomes
• desert or dune desert or dune

Physical Description

Goldman’s woodrat is a medium-sized rodent with pregnant females weighing between 95.6 and 96.0 grams. Its body length ranges from 265 to 285 mm, with a tail measuring 113 to 136 mm and hindfeet measuring 27 to 31 mm. This species has a distinctive appearance, featuring long, soft pelage. Juveniles exhibit a buffy grayish upper body, while adults display a creamy buff coloration. The flanks are buffy, the head is a paler shade, and the back is covered with dark-tipped hairs. Additionally, the underparts and feet are white, further distinguishing its physical characteristics.

• Other Physical Features
• endothermic endothermic
• bilateral symmetry bilateral symmetry

Development

Goldman’s woodrat ( Neotoma goldmani ) exhibits some unique growth patterns typical of its genus. Like other woodrat species, the young are born altricial, meaning they are born in a relatively undeveloped state, relying on maternal care for survival. As they grow, they gradually develop the physical features necessary for independent living, including fur and the ability to regulate body temperature. One special feature of growth in N. goldmani is the rapid development of their long, soft pelage, which begins as a buffy grayish color in juveniles and transitions to creamy buff in adults. Additionally, growth in woodrats is highly influenced by environmental conditions, such as food availability and habitat stability, leading to variability in size and health in individuals across different ranges. This adaptive growth process allows N. goldmani to thrive in rocky, desert environments, where survival depends on quick adaptation to fluctuating resources and environmental pressures.

Reproduction

Due to its close proximity and presumed ecological similarity to Neotoma albigula , it is believed that Goldman’s woodrat ( Neotoma goldmani ) shares many reproductive and behavioral traits with this related species. While specific data on the reproductive biology of N. goldmani is limited, inferences can be drawn from studies of N. albigula . The mating system is likely polygynous, with males competing for access to females.

• Mating System
• polygynous polygynous

General behavior suggests a solitary and territorial lifestyle, which is typical of woodrats. N. albigula breeds year-round in favorable conditions, with peak activity during spring and summer, and a similar pattern is expected for N. goldmani . The breeding interval typically occurs several times per year depending on environmental conditions. At birth, the offspring are altricial and weigh only a few grams. Independence is usually reached between 27 and 35 days after birth, and females reach sexual maturity at approximately 60 days of age, while males mature slightly later. Key reproductive features include small litter sizes—generally one to four young—and high levels of maternal care.

• Key Reproductive Features
• gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)
• sexual sexual

Parental investment is primarily maternal, with the female nursing, sheltering, and protecting the offspring until they are capable of surviving on their own.

• Parental Investment
• female parental care female parental care
• pre-weaning/fledging
  • provisioning
    • female
  • protecting
    • female
• pre-independence
  • provisioning
    • female
  • protecting
    • female

Lifespan/Longevity

Specific data on the lifespan of Goldman’s woodrat ( Neotoma goldmani ) is currently lacking; however, estimations can be made based on closely related species such as Neotoma albigula . In the wild, the expected lifespan of N. goldmani is likely around 2 to 3 years, similar to that of N. albigula . In captivity, woodrats have been known to live longer due to the absence of predators and access to consistent food and care, with some individuals reaching up to 5 years of age. While the longest known lifespan for N. goldmani specifically has not been documented, these figures offer a reasonable estimate based on closely related species and general rodent life history patterns.

Behavior

A key behavior of N. goldmani is its construction of semi-underground nests made from sticks and grasses, typically built along rocky cliffs for protection and stability. Additionally, this species has been observed living in sympatry with Neotoma albigula , indicating potential ecological overlap and interactions.

• Key Behaviors
• terricolous
• nocturnal nocturnal
• motile motile
• sedentary sedentary
• solitary solitary

Home Range

Goldman’s woodrat ( Neotoma goldmani ) occupies a home range that is closely associated with specific desert vegetation, including Agave scabra , Machaonia coulteri , Yucca carnerosoma , Yucca dicipiens , Dasylirion species, and various species of Opuntia , Larrea , and Acacia . These plants not only provide food sources but also contribute to the structure of the woodrat's habitat.

Communication and Perception

While specific studies on the communication methods of Goldman’s woodrat ( Neotoma goldmani ) are limited, it is likely that, similar to other Neotoma species, it communicates through a combination of vocalizations, scent marking, and body language. These woodrats are believed to use olfactory cues extensively for marking territory and identifying individuals, relying on scent glands and urine to leave chemical signals. They may also use soft vocalizations, such as squeaks or chatters, particularly in mating or aggressive contexts. In terms of perception, N. goldmani likely depends on a combination of sensory channels, including smell, sound, and touch, to navigate its environment, detect predators, and communicate with conspecifics. These behaviors are consistent with observations in related woodrat species.

• Communication Channels
• acoustic acoustic

• Perception Channels
• visual visual
• tactile tactile
• acoustic acoustic
• chemical chemical

Food Habits

Goldman’s woodrat ( Neotoma goldmani ) primarily feeds on a variety of plant-based foods, including leaves, stems, nuts, seeds, bark, and the cactus species found within its home range, such as Opuntia and Yucca . Unlike some other rodents, N. goldmani does not consume animal foods. Its diet is heavily plant-based, relying on the availability of these desert plants for sustenance. Foraging behaviors are primarily nocturnal, with N. goldmani being most active at night, similar to the closely related Neotoma albigula . This nocturnal behavior likely helps the woodrat avoid the extreme daytime heat typical of desert environments while taking advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures to forage.

• Primary Diet
• herbivore herbivore
  • folivore folivore
  • granivore granivore

• Plant Foods
• leaves
• wood, bark, or stems
• seeds, grains, and nuts
• flowers

Predation

Goldman’s woodrat ( Neotoma goldmani ) faces predation from a variety of desert predators, including the coyote ( Canis latrans ), long-tailed weasels ( Mustela frenata neomexicana ), Mexican wolf ( Canis lupus baileyi ), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and Western screech owl ( Megascops kennicotti ). To avoid these threats, N. goldmani employs several anti-predator adaptations. One key adaptation is its nocturnal temporal niche, which reduces the chances of encountering daytime predators. Additionally, N. goldmani is agile, able to quickly escape predators, and constructs elaborate dens along rocky cliffs for shelter and protection. The species has also been known to hide behind cacti and shrubs when threatened, using these natural structures as cover. These behaviors and adaptations help the woodrat evade predators and survive in its harsh desert environment.

Ecosystem Roles

Goldman’s woodrat ( Neotoma goldmani ) plays an important role in its ecosystem by contributing to seed dispersal and the shaping of plant communities. As herbivores, they feed on a variety of plant species, including cactus, seeds, and shrubs, helping to control plant populations and facilitate the regeneration of desert flora. Their activity can also indirectly benefit other species by modifying the landscape with their dens, which can serve as shelters for other small animals and insects. In terms of symbiotic relationships, N. goldmani may act as a host for various ectoparasites and endoparasites, although specific mutualistic interactions have not been well-documented. It’s likely that other species of rodents or insects might benefit from the habitats created by the woodrat, such as burrows and dens, which offer protection and nesting sites. Commensal or parasitic species that may use N. goldmani as a host include fleas, mites, and lice, which are common ectoparasites found on many small mammals. These parasites can use the woodrat's fur or body as a habitat while feeding on its blood. Additionally, predators like coyotes and owls, which target N. goldmani , rely on the woodrat as a source of food, further linking the woodrat to the food web in its desert ecosystem.

• Ecosystem Impact
• disperses seeds

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

Goldman’s woodrat ( Neotoma goldmani ) has both positive and negative economic significance for humans. Positively, it contributes to ecosystem health by aiding in seed dispersal and plant regeneration, which are essential for maintaining habitat stability in desert environments. As a part of the food web, it also supports predator species that have ecological or economic value, such as the golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos ) and coyotes ( Canis latrans ). Humans benefit from N. goldmani in several ways: they help with seed dispersal and plant regeneration, support the predator populations that help maintain ecological balance, and can be of scientific interest for studies on rodent ecology, behavior, and desert adaptations.

• Positive Impacts
• research and education

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

Negatively, N. goldmani may become a nuisance, particularly in human-built structures. Like other packrats, they have been known to collect man-made objects, which can result in property damage. They may also nest in buildings, which can lead to further structural issues. Additionally, these woodrats can act as carriers of parasites and diseases, such as fleas, mites, and potentially hantavirus, which could pose health risks to humans, pets, or livestock. Thus, while they play a role in the ecosystem, their interactions with human settlements can sometimes cause problems.

• Negative Impacts
• injures humans
  • carries human disease
• crop pest
• causes or carries domestic animal disease causes or carries domestic animal disease

Conservation Status

Goldman’s woodrat ( Neotoma goldmani ) is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not currently facing significant threats that could lead to its extinction in the near future. This classification suggests that, while the species may face localized challenges, its overall population is stable and widespread across its desert habitat.

Additional Links

Encyclopedia of Life

Contributors

Lauren Slack (author), Texas State University, Tanya Dewey (editor), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

References

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IUCN, 2024. "Neotoma goldmani" (On-line). International Union for Conservation of Nature. Accessed February 11, 2025 at https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/14588/115122856 .

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