Tylomys watsoni
Watson's climbing rat

Panama and Costa Rica. Range limits have not yet been determined.

Dense forest, mainly broadleaf rainforests, at low elevations and near bodies of water or rocky ledges. This species is arboreal.

Head and Body length= 184-260mm Tail length= 223-290mm. As with other members of this genus, T. watsoni is large and has a long, thick, hairless tail with a white tip. They look like large species of the genus Rattus. The braincase is flattened and long. They have large, naked ears, a pointed snout, and long, black whiskers. The feet are broad and short with white toes and dark brown fur on top. Their body fur is long, soft, dense, and usually grayish brown above and pure white below. There is a great deal of color variation within populations. Older adults are usually paler in color.

Nothing is known about the reproduction of this species. Other species in this genus have a gestation period of 40 days and an average litter size of 2.3 young.

This species is nocturnal and solitary. They have been recorded to inhabit trees at heights of 10 meters. Despite their common name, they are often sighted in rock piles, logs, and other ground habitats.

Plant material including fruits, leaves, seeds, lichens, and bark.

Could be vectors for disease and pests in fruit plantations.

Very little is known about the populations of Tylomys watsoni, but they are considered uncommon. They could also be threatened by habitat destruction.

This species has been very poorly studied.