The species is no longer found in Connecticut or New York and is declining populations in the other states where it currently resides. Adult Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) in natural habitat. The range of the woodrat has fallen to 35% of the original distribution. Schwartz, A., E. Odum. NatureServe Explorer [Internet. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you.
Wood P. 2001. Zervanos, S., D. Davis. Whiskers also help them find their way in caves and crevasses. 1957. 
This species stores food in compact galleries at the top of the house beginning in September or October. Juvenile woodrats have buffy, or lightly tan colored venters. In the same day, they travel in an area of 180 to 6,500 sq m looking for food. An adult woodrat is 15-18 inches in length which includes the seven-inch long tail.
Delaware Valley University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania are also involved with monitoring programs associated with the PA wildlife action plan. Caches are made out of sticks. They have big ears that can tell what direction a sound came from. Females have 1 to 2 pups the first year they give birth. Poole, E. 1940.
Mammalian Species, 511: 1-7. Their biggest threat is nematodes, whose eggs are found in raccoon feces. A woodrat does not hibernate. The Allegheny woodrat has a tail that is completely covered in fur, as opposed to Norway and black rats which have scaly, bare tails. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, (2021), State of Michigan. They have pink skin and no hair. Allegheny Woodrat Neotoma magister. (Linzey, 1998; Poole, 1940), Because Allegheny woodrats store food, they spread seeds and mushroom spores. Linzey, D. 1998. Characteristics of Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) habitat in the New As a small foraging rodent, they cache forest seeds and nuts, which if left too long can become a new forest, or at least a tasty snack for other chipmunks and squirrels. Microhabitat and Landscape Characteristics Associated with the Threatened Allegheny Woodrat. Continuing surveys will help determine population fluctuations, raccoon roundworm infestations, or any other stressors, like human activity, on the woodrat. Manjerovic, M., P. Wood, J. Edwards. They will also eat carrion. Conservation Biology, 27(4), 752-762. doi:10.1111/cobi.12064. In addition to the global status, each state has its own relevant conservation status for the Allegheny woodrat (NatureServe 2012). The loss of American chestnut from chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) may have caused a sharp decline in food availability and increased competition between the woodrat and other animals.
Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan. Conservation Biology, 10/2: 515-525. This spot is usually a place with good air flow like a flat or dented rock. Their large eyes help them see well in the dark. To help inform management actions, research is being implemented through three federal State Wildlife Grants Program projects. Some organizations even hold summer camps, providing greater opportunities for public outreach. Fossil remains indicate that woodrats in Indiana once ranged as far north as Owen County. Their close relatives eastern woodrats can see red lights that many other animals cannot, and Allegheny woodrats probably can too. Learn more.
It is very likely that the chestnut blight that removed all of the old growth American chestnut trees had a widespread impact on the Allegheny woodrat food supply (Butchkoski 2010). Balcom, B., R. Yahner. They are also affected by loss of available habitat. Food is stored or "cached" in large piles called middens.
Management programs will be of little use until the causes of decline are determined. The decline in their numbers might be related to the extinction of American chestnut and decline in the number of oak trees. Trash should never be left behind in any vicinity, but areas around the park's sandstone cliffs, boulder fields, abandoned mine portals, caves, and talus slopes need special consideration when it comes to Allegheny woodrat conservation. He has an ear tag; recaptured from the previous day. The range of this species once extended from Indiana, south to the top of Alabama, and east to southwestern Connecticut. It occupies habitats rarely used by humans thus decreasing the chance of human/woodrat interactions. This trait is responsible for the woodrat's nickname of "trade" or "pack" rat. 2008. Arlington (VA). A field guide to the mammals: North America north of Mexico.
This article describes possible reasons why the Allegheny Woodrat is declining and what actions are being taken to support the species. They stand on their hind legs and brace themselves with their tail while hitting each other with their front paws. Anthony, H. 1928. The woodrat is primarily nocturnal and rarely travels more than 150 feet from the center of its home range.
(Castleberry, et al., 2006; Linzey, 1998), Allegheny woodrats are active at night, and usually spend time by themselves. The Allegheny woodrat is also a fitting food source for important predators, such as owls and bobcats. Mast and Weather Influnces on Population Trends of a Species of Concern: the Allegheny Woodrat. Mustela frenata. Reproduction, Juvinile Growth and Recapture Rates of Allegheny Woodrats (Neotoma magister) in Virginia. Join a park biologist to learn about the rare Allegheny Woodrat. Castleberry, S., W. Ford, N. Castleberry, P. Wood. However, in Alabama, Virginia, and other states, they are threatened or vulnerable. In captivity, their lifespan is about 48 months. A genetic catalog of statewide woodrats will also be developed to help monitor genetic diversity within the remaining populations. It differs from Norway rats by very long whiskers, long but blunt nose, hairy tail, and behavior. Available from: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6975.html. WV Sexual maturity is reached in less than a year. Smyser, T. J., Johnson, S. A., Page, K. L., Hudson, C. M., & Rhodes, O. E. (2013). Use of experimental translocations of allegheny woodrat to decipher causal agents of decline. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): Poultry owners should be on high alert. Allegheny Woodrat conservation is also supported by a number of nonprofit and research organizations including the Nature Conservancy in Ohio and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, both of which have active management projects with preserved habitat and monitoring programs. Their tail has fur too, which is lighter on the bottom. Populations of the rat that are isolated due to development and habitat fragmentation have also been found to suffer from low genetic diversity (inbreeding) which can impact health and reproductive success. 1968. Their predators include great horned owls, bobcats, striped skunks, gray foxes, eastern spotted skunks, long tailed weasles and other snakes and owls. They usually live above 640 m in elevation, though they used to live at lower elevations than they do now.
After a gestation period of 30-37 days, a litter of two to three young is born. allegheny woodrat nps vol.
You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Mammalian Species, 789: 1-5. Fecundity in the wild is reported to be low. Allegheny Woodrat [Internet]. Box 246, 104 Main Street They are 15 -18" in diameter with a five inch diameter "cup" in the center of the nest. Perception of Red Light by Woodrats (Neotoma floridana). River Gorge National River, West Virginia. Hamilton, W. 1943. The actions outlined in this plan work to conserve the species by minimizing placing proposed roads, railways, windmills, mining/quarrying facilities, and oil/gas facilities within woodrat habitat or corridors; decrease or maintain low levels of raccoon roundworm infection within habitat or corridors; and increase the number of mast or nut producing trees, such as reintroducing hybrid American chestnut. purdue swihart Within the United States, their status varies by state. They also eat a lot of acorns because they are high in protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. (Poole, 1940), Most Allegheny woodrats breed from March to October. Breeding season in Indiana peaks during April and May. An adult woodrat weighs approximately nine ounces.
They weigh 14 to 17 g, but usually about 15. Mammals of Eastern United States. The house generally contains two or more nests near the center of the structure. Their underside is white from their throat and all the way back. A model for predicting population size, determining age demographics, characterizing habitat, and tests for supplemental feeding are a few of the objectives of these grants. [cited 2012 Oct 1]. Sheffield, S., H. Thomas. This species breeds in the spring, summer, and fall, but usually only has 1 litter per year of 2-4 young per litter. A typical house is 1.2 meters in diameter and about 1 meter tall, constructed primarily of twigs and sticks. Why Do Unplanned or Poorly Planned Timber Harvests Occur. SWAP-CHAPTER-1-apx14b-mammals.pdf (fishandboat.com). It has a bicolor appearance and a furry tail, as opposed to other rat species. Balcom, B., & Yahner, R. (1996).
It is a partnership of the University of Michigan School of Education, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, and the Detroit Public Schools. Glen Jean New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Food availability is also a possible cause of species decline. This pest invades the intestinal tract of its host which causes unusual behavior, fatal or severe nervous system disorders, and rupture of the intestinal tract. Unlike other rats, the woodrats tail is densely haired and is distinctly bicolored: brownish black on top and white below. The rat is typically found in rocky outcrops at higher elevations. Journal of Mammalogy, 49/4: 759.
2002. In North Carolina, they are endangered. Allegheny woodrats collect raccoon feces and become infected with this disease, which they can die from. Mammles of the Eastern United States. This article was written in collaboration with undergraduate students as part of a class project at Pennsylvania State University.
, We determine age class primarily by color and weight. New York: Comstock Publishing Company. Entering your postal code will help us provide news or event updates for your area. 2009. The Allegheny woodrat population is listed as a "species of concern" in West Virginia. Allegheny woodrat. Parker, W., R. Gerhardt, L. Muller, N. Caldwell, S. Castleberry, W. Ford. Photo by Alan Cressler 15 June 2011. A Norway rat is a fairly aggressive animal if its handled it will bite, whereas this animal is fairly docile, as I said before unless its greatly provoked it will not bite. The Allegheny woodrat is a small rodent (about the size of a squirrel) that resides in rock outcrops, boulder fields, abandoned mine portals, talus slopes, and caves from southern New York to Tennessee (Wood 2001). They often thump their hind feet in response to fear or anger. Adults weigh 203 to 444 g and are 311 to 451 mm long. more information on current conditions http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/full/14581/0, www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/directory/threated_and_endangered_species, Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. The longest whisker found was 9 cm long. Kinlaw, A. 1997. American Midland Naturalist, 148/1: 155-162. (Castleberry and Laerm, 2008; Castleberry, et al., 2006; Linzey, 1998; Manjerovic, et al., 2009; Mengak, 2002; Poole, 1940), Most of the time and effort parents put in to raising the young happens before they are born. (Castleberry and Laerm, 2008; Castleberry, et al., 2006). A very unique animal. A female Norway rat in reproductive condition will have twelve mammae, whereas an Allegheny woodrat will have only four (Burt and Grossenheider 1980). Increased funding for monitoring and recovery of the woodrat can also support conserved landscapes and ecosystems more broadly. (2017, October 4). Available from: www.iucnredlist.org During the breeding season, Allegheny woodrats use long scent glands on the sides of their stomachs to communicate their location to possible mates. In Indiana, they can be found in small caves or rock crevices and fissures in the steep cliff faces adjacent to the Ohio River. The Woodrat builds a house of sticks, rocks, bones, and debris. [cited 2012 Oct 2]. It has a conservation status of at least an S3 (vulnerable) in the states of Alabama, Connecticut, DC, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia (See distribution map; NatureServe 2012). 2009. Some factors that have contributed to its population declines are food shortages, increases in predator populations, raccoon roundworm, and general human encroachment. They are independent after 28 to 60 days, and can have their own young when they are 3 to 4 months old. Nonfood items are often found with plant material in middens near the nest. (Castleberry and Laerm, 2008; Castleberry, et al., 2006; Kays and Wilson, 2002; Linzey, 1998), Allegheny woodrats live in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. Some females will produce a second litter in late summer. A Life History Sketch of the Allegheny Woodrat. The Allegheny woodrat mostly lives in natural areas, occasionally occupying structures. The Woodrats of Eastern United States. Instead, it appears fearful, yet curious. A few early-born females may breed in the same year as their birth. Several factors may be contributing to the population decline of the woodrat. Allegheny woodrats have large ears, and their feet and venters (bellies) are covered in white fur. Copyright 2022 State of Indiana - All rights reserved. Castleberry, S., M. Mengak, N. Castleberry, W. Ford, P. Wood. Castleberry, S., J. Laerm. These factors are: Declining numbers tend to be more concentrated in the northern region of the woodrat's range. Woodrats are mostly solitary animals, usually only seeking the company of another during breeding season (Butchkoski 2010) whereas Norway and black rats are colonial (Burt and Grossenheider 1980). Immature woodrats are more gray in color, particularly on the belly.
This is a juvenile male Allegheny Wood Rat. (Whitaker Jr. and Hamilton Jr., 1998), Allegheny woodrats are listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. Other major activities include field searches for new localities and research to identify the factors responsible for decline. They sometimes eat bats and insects as well. They get water when it collects on the ground from the rain and also from nearby streams. References These parasites are more likely to kill them off in large numbers than predators are. They are hosts to many types of fleas, including Orchopeas sexdentatus pennsylvanicus and Epitedia cavernicola, mites, ticks such as Ixodes woodi, Dermacentor variabilis, and Ixodes augustus, roundworms called Baylisascaris procyonis and Baylisascaris proaberrant, and botflies. This nocturnal rodent can be easily identified by its large ears, eyes, and heavy head, along with elongated whiskers. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. A fairly docile animal; if you dont provoke them too much they wont bite. Allegheny Woodrat [Internet]. They will also collect and store small strange objects that they find such as bottle caps, bones, coins, shotgun shells or rings. [cited 2013 Jan 3]. Oftentimes, a rock ledge with discarded acorn shells can be an excellent indicator of Allegheny woodrat presence. The Allegheny woodrat is also listed in the recent Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan (2015 to 2025). They have very long whiskers compared to other rodents. Journal of Mammalogy, 89/4: 301-305. They eat a lot of mushrooms, which can make up 12% of their food. They eat and store almost any plant material, including fungi, bulbs, seeds, and fruit. For example, they eat apples, cabbage, carrots, celery, grapes, tomatoes, corn, wheat, wild rice stalks, and white potatoes. Although classified as a "rat", the Allegheny woodrat possesses none of the undesirable characteristics of its other rat cousins. Eastern Woodrat Neotoma floridana. The top portion of the body is gray in color and the underbelly and paws are white. Southeastern Naturalist, 8/1: 167-174. Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting Allegheny woodrat occupancy. Why these rat populations are declining is unknown, but experts suspect there are multiple factors working together to have a negative impact.