Microtus (Pitymys) oaxacensis Goodwin 1966

Microtus (Pitymys) oaxacensis Goodwin 1966, Am. Mus . Novit., 2243: 1.

Type Locality: México, Oaxaca, Ixtlán Dist., near Vista Hermosa, Tarabundí Ranch, 5000 ft (1524 m).

Vernacular Names: Tarabundi Vole.

Distribution: Eastern slopes, Sierra de Juárez, 1600-2500 m, NC Oaxaca, México.

Conservation: IUCN – Lower Risk (nt).

Discussion: Subgenus Pitymys . Differentially diagnosed with respect to M. mexicanus and M. umbrosus by Goodwin (1966); description amplified and resemblance to M. guatemalensis noted by Jones and Genoways (1967), an affinity supported by their dental and genetic similarity (Conroy et al., 2001; R. A. Martin, 1995). Grouped with other relictual "pitymyine" species found at southern edge of the Nearctic Microtus distribution by Hoffmann and Koeppl (1985), a biogeographic interpretation supported by Conroy et al. (2001). Karyotype reported by Cervantes et al. (1997), who noted its derived condition compared with other New World Microtus . Altitudinally parapatric distribution with respect to M. mexicanus illuminated by Sánchez H. et al. (1996). See Frey and Cervantes (1997, Mammalian Species, 556).