By Eric J. Ellis
Geographic Range
Panama and Costa Rica. Range limits have not yet been determined.
Biogeographic Regions:
neotropical 
(native ).
Habitat
Dense forest, mainly broadleaf rainforests, at low elevations and near bodies of water or rocky ledges. This species is arboreal.
Terrestrial Biomes:
rainforest .
Physical Description
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.
Some key physical features:
endothermic ; bilateral symmetry .
Reproduction
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.
Key reproductive features:
gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual .
Behavior
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.
Key behaviors:
motile .
Food Habits
Plant material including fruits, leaves, seeds, lichens, and bark.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
Could be vectors for disease and pests in fruit plantations.
Conservation Status
Very little is known about the populations of Tylomys watsoni, but they are considered uncommon. They could also be threatened by habitat destruction.
Other Comments
This species has been very poorly studied.
For More Information
Find Tylomys watsoni information at
Contributors
Eric J. Ellis (author), University of Michigan.
