Hispid Cotton Rat
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Cricetidae Genus: Sigmodon
Species: Sigmodon hispidus
A common sight in the SOL Garden, the Hispid Cotton Rat is a rodent with a high rate of reproduction to make up for its short lifespan. It is commonly regarded as a pest due to the damage it causes to a variety of crops. However, it contributes to the health of the environment by serving as prey for other animals such as the Red-shouldered Hawk and the Texas Plains Coyote. The presence of this species in the SOL Garden is probably the reason why a Red-shouldered Hawk roosts near the SOL Garden. The Hispid Cotton Rat is active during the day, yet its activity peaks in the afternoon to late at night. It prefers a dense and brushy environment where it can best escape from predators.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Medium-sized rodents; males slightly longer than females; tan, brown, and black fur; white or greyish below
Size: Ranges from 8.8 to 14.3 inches in length
Diet: Mostly includes foliage and grains, but sometimes eggs and crustaceans
Habitat: Dense, grassy areas such as overgrown fields and brushy vegetation
Credit source: Animal Diversity Web
