Rheomys raptor, also known as the Goldman's water mouse or Goldman's Ichthyomyine,[2] is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae.[3] This mouse is semiaquatic and its carnivorous diet includes invertebrates.[1] The conservation status of the species is rated as "least concern" because of its sizable population and the presence of several protected areas within its range.[1] However, deforestation and water pollution represent potential threats.[1]
| Goldman's water mouse | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Cricetidae |
| Subfamily: | Sigmodontinae |
| Genus: | Rheomys |
| Species: | R. raptor |
| Binomial name | |
| Rheomys raptor Goldman, 1912 | |
Distribution and habitat
Rheomys raptor is found in Central America with sightings mainly in Costa Rica[4] but has also been seen in eastern Panama.[5] R. raptor lives in forests with a water source nearby, such as a fast-flowing stream, and inland wetlands.[6] R. raptor has been identified in Costa Rican and Panamanian cloud forests at altitudes ranging from 1300 to 1600 meters.[1]
Parasites
Rheomys raptor is the first known species of its genus to harbor an ectoparasite, Hoplopleura janzeni.[7] H. janzeni is a newly identified species of Hoplopleura, sucking lice, that was solely discovered on a female R. raptor located at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica.[7]