Wildlife of Lao PDR: 1999 Status Report - IUCN

ORDER RODENTIA, FAMILY
MURIDAE
C. M. Francis
INTRODUCTION
Very little recent field research has been done on mice
and rats in Lao PDR, despite the fact that they are widely
trapped and sold in markets for food. Recent work includes
some general market surveys (Bergmans 1995) and field surveys
around Nam Kading, Nakai-Nam Theun, Dong Ampham
and Khammouan Limestone NBCAs (WCS 1995b, Francis
et al. 1996, 1997a, Robinson and Webber 1998a). The latter
surveys found a few new records for Lao PDR, and the surveys
of Francis et al. (1996) turned up at least one undescribed
species from the Annamite mountains (Engstrom and Francis
1999). This suggests that more thorough surveys of additional
sites would be very worthwhile. Voucher specimens,
preferably with series of several individuals, are required to
sort out the taxonomy and identity of many murids.
The following accounts are based on recent reviews
where available, especially if they mention examination of
individual specimens from Lao PDR. However, such reviews
have not yet been undertaken for many species. In those cases,
the accounts rely mainly on Marshall (1977) and Corbet and
Hill (1992), despite the fact that precise locations and specimen
data are not usually cited in those sources. Older references
are usually only cited if the identity of the specimens
has subsequently been reaffirmed by more recent reviews;
the changing taxonomic treatments of many groups make it
unsafe to assume that specimens referred to a given name
several decades ago would still be known under that name
today.
Taxonomy follows Corbet and Hill (1992). Recent research
has resulted in changes in the taxonomy and nomenclature
of many mice and rats. For example, many rats formerly
classified in the genus Rattus (e.g. Marshall 1977) are
now considered to belong in many separate genera. Some
genera contain numerous names that are variously considered
separate species, subspecies, or direct synonyms. Several
groups of rats (e.g. Niviventer) are still in need of thorough
revision. In the following accounts, older names are
only listed if a source, using that name, is referenced. English
names have largely been selected from published sources
(Marshall 1977, Medway 1983, Payne et al. 1985, Nowak
1991, Corbet and Hill 1992), with a preference for descriptive
names if multiple names have been suggested.
ANNOTATED LIST OF SPECIES
Murinae: Mice and rats (28-31 species)
Mus musculus House Mouse. North (Bourret 1942); range
maps suggest extends to central Lao PDR (Corbet and Hill
1992). Probably confined to areas near towns, where it is
often in buildings (Corbet and Hill 1992).
Mus cookii Cook’s Mouse. Centre (Robinson and Webber
1998a); range maps suggest occurs throughout Lao PDR
(Marshall 1977, Corbet and Hill 1992). Grassy areas in upland
conifer and broad-leaved forest, adjacent cultivated land
and clearings (Marshall 1977).
Mus cervicolor Fawn-colored Mouse. Centre (Robinson and
Webber 1998a), south (Osgood 1932); range maps suggest
occurs throughout Lao PDR (Corbet and Hill 1992). Paddyfields,
grasslands and grassy areas in deciduous dipterocarp
forest (Marshall 1977).
Mus shortridgei Shortridge’s Mouse. Centre (Robinson and
Webber 1998a). In dry grass and pygmy bamboo in dry
dipterocarp forest (Marshall 1977).
Mus caroli Ryukyu Mouse. Centre (Robinson and Webber
1998a), south (Bergmans 1995); range maps suggest occurs
throughout Lao PDR (Marshall 1977, Corbet and Hill 1992).
Rice and other grassy agricultural areas where it feeds on
seeds and invertebrates (Marshall 1977).
Mus pahari Gairdner’s Shrew Mouse. North (Osgood 1932);
range maps suggest occurs throughout Lao PDR (Corbet and
Hill 1992). Mainly forested areas (Marshall 1977).
Vandeleuria oleracea Long-tailed Cane Mouse. North
(Osgood 1932); range maps suggest occurs throughout Lao
PDR (Marshall 1977, Corbet and Hill 1992). Tall cane
(Marshall 1977).
Rattus rattus House Rat. Centre (Robinson and Webber
1998a), South (Robinson 1997). Range maps suggest occurs
throughout Lao PDR (Marshall 1977, Corbet and Hill 1992).
Buildings, other domestic and agricultural habitats, open
natural habitats, but probably not unbroken forest (Marshall
1977, Corbet and Hill 1992).
Rattus losea Lesser Ricefield Rat. Centre (Robinson and
Webber 1998a), south (Musser and Newcomb 1985); probably
widespread throughout Lao PDR (Musser and Newcomb
1985). Rice fields and other cultivated habitats (Marshall
1977, Corbet and Hill 1992).
Rattus argentiventer Ricefield Rat. Centre (Robinson and
Webber 1998a). Rice fields and other cultivated habitats.
Musser and Newcomb (1985) noted that this species had not
been found in the same areas as R. losea, but specimens from
Khammouan Limestone NBCA were reported from owl
pellets in the same caves as R. losea (Robinson and Webber
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