301.

Loria’s Tree Mouse

Pogonomys loriae

French: Pogonomys de Loria / German: Loria-Greifschwanzratte / Spanish: Raton arboricola de Loria

Other common names: Large Tree Mouse, Loria’s Pogonomys

Taxonomy. Pogonomys loriae Thomas, 1897,

Haveri, 700 m, near Mount Wori, mountains behind Astrolabe Range, Central Province, Papua New Guinea .

Although more studies of the relationships within Hydromyini are needed, Pogonomys was found in S. J. Steppan and J. J. Schenk’s 2017 analysis to form a genetic clade with Hyomys (to which it issister taxon), Chiruromys, Macruromys, Lorentzimys, and Anisomys, although with relatively low support. P. loriae was originally known by the name mollipilosus, but in 1979 it was determined that this name represented P. macrourus, and loriae was the next available name. P. loriae previously included P. fergussoniensis, but latter species is morphologically very distinct and is currently recognized as a separate species, although entire genusis in need of a revision. P. loriae probably still represents

a species complex, and morphology suggests that it may be related to Queensland population of P. macrourus . Monotypic.

Distribution. Primarily in E New Guinea, with scattered populations in N & W as far as the Arfak Mts on Bird’s Head (= Vogelkop) Peninsula.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 120-168 mm, tail 180-254 mm, ear 13-17-5 mm, hindfoot 23-8-28-5 mm; weight 53-128 g. Loria’s Tree Mouse is a large

species of Pogonomys with pelage long, soft, and fine. Dorsal pelage is a grayish brown, being browner on sides with a slight reddish hue and grayer along back; also has a black eye-ring. Ventral pelage is pure white. Feet are pinkish, with short white hairs dorsally. Ears are a darker blackish brown near edges, pinkish near base; vibrissae long, black, and thin. Tailvery long (c.145% of head-body length), dorsally prehensile, thin and black with extreme white mottling throughout, generally leaving base mostly black. Skull has relatively long and narrow rostrum. Various species of cestode and nematode (Odilia, Pogonomystrongylus, etc.) have been recorded from New Guinea populations of this species. There are three pairs of mammae, one pectoral and two inguinal. Chromosomal complement has 2n = 46, FN = 52.

Habitat. Mature and regrowth tropical moist forest at elevations of 100-3000 m, although most prevalent from 200 m to 800 m. Replaced by the Chestnut Tree Mouse ( P. macrourus) at higher elevations.

Food and Feeding. [.oria’s Tree Mouse isstrictly herbivorous, and stomachs contained various vegetable matter, including flowers, pollen, and a lot of grass-stem material.

Breeding. Reproduction apparently occurs in the wet season and (at least around Mount Erimbari) ceases in the dry season. Littersize is 2-3 young.

Activity patterns. Loria’s Tree Mouse is nocturnal and arboreal, except during day, when it nests in burrows; burrows said to have several entrances and tunnels, unlike those of congeners, which have a single tunnel with entrance and escape hatch.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Loria’s Tree Mouse has a wide distribution throughout New Guinea and is potentially present in many protected areas. There are no known major threats to the species, although further research is needed for a fuller understanding ofits natural history and evolution, as well as possible threats.

Bibliography. Breed & Aplin (1995), Dennis & Menzies (1979), Flannery (1995a), Leary, Singadan, Menzies, Helgen et al. (2016c), Musser & Carleton (2005), Smales (2014), Steppan & Schenk (2017).