range map for two endemic k-rats in central Mexico

Yes, I agree that the modeled ranges are largely useless and take into account only a small set of habitat parameters, as opposed to the largely more relevant factors Vladimir listed. I’ve heard of this split before and am not too sure what to think as the genetic evidence seems pretty weak but maybe this is a function of lack of research.

Both species have undergone large range contractions in recent years due to near-complete destruction of grasslands on the Central Mexican Plateau. D. phillipsii is now extremely local; its stronghold is the Oriental Basin, centered on Totalco (Veracruz) where Jon Hall and I observed them in 2018 and 2016, respectively. A small population occurs near Cuicatlan in Oaxaca as well. Vladimir’s record at La Cima would be worth following up on as the population around the Valley of Mexico was thought to be extirpated.

As for D. ornatus, the best site is the grassland at Ojuelos de Jalisco. You can reportedly see 5-10 in a few hours of spotlighting. This is a great area for mammals; it’s the best place in the world for White-sided Jackrabbit (20+ reported in a few hours) and has Mexican Ground Squirrel, Osgood’s and Plateau Mice, Southern Pocket Gopher, and other nice stuff. I’d like to go in the next couple of years.