Macrotarsomys petteri [SEP] IUCN conservation status
The IUCN Red List assesses Petter's big-footed mouse as "Data Deficient", but notes that the species will very probably qualify as threatened if its current distribution turns out to be restricted to primary forest in the Mikea Forest. The Mikea Forest is one of the largest remaining forests of southwestern Madagascar, but it is not protected and is threatened by logging, pasture, and conversion to agricultural land.
Literature cited.
- Garbutt, N. 2007. Mammals of Madagascar: A Complete Guide. A &
previously been reported from other southern Madagascar sites, and at least some of these may be "M. petteri". A karstic deposit near Lake Tsimanampetsotsa (dated to the Late Pliocene or Early Pleistocene on unclear grounds) contained three species of "Macrotarsomys", including a very large one that may well be "M. petteri". Remains identified as greater big-footed mouse have been reported from a cave at Ankazoabo in southern Madagascar; these may also be Petter's big-footed mouse.
Conservation status.