Noteworthy records and ecological niche modeling of the rare and endangered Goldman's diminutive woodrat Nelsonia goldmani (Rodentia: Cricetidae) endemic to central Mexican highlands

Nelsonia goldmani is an uncommon rodent, endemic to highland microhabitats in central Mexico. Few individuals have been reported in scarce localities after being discovered in 1903 resulting in a lack of knowledge about its geographic distribution and actual presence in its habitat; such situation makes this species of national interest priority for conservation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize collecting records, confirm the presence of this species in the field and estimate its ecological niche. We searched specimens in biological collections, carried out an ecological niche modeling (ENM) analysis and looked for individuals of N. goldmani in the field over a 2-year period. Our results identified only 43 specimens in biological collections, whose collecting localities had not been reported previously. The ENM analysis showed that the environmental suitability areas for this species are restricted and isolated with an apparent lack of environmental connectivity. Regarding fieldwork, we collected only five individuals in two localities. The possible environmental specificity and the lack of sampling focused on specific microhabitats could explain the low detection of the species thus far. Further research is needed to plan conservation actions to protect its populations.