Overview
An eight-year international research initiative has produced a comprehensive review of mammal species native to Honduras. This effort confirmed the presence of 227 native mammal species, encompassing 146 genera and 42 families. Additionally, the review identified three introduced rodent species within the country. The findings, published in the open-access journal ZooKeys, also project the potential confirmation of 28 further species, which would increase the total to 258 species.
Research Context
This research represents the most extensive review of Honduran mammals conducted since 1998. The previous comprehensive assessment of the country's mammalian fauna was conducted over two decades prior to the completion of this recent study.
Approach
The research involved an international collaboration and spanned a period of eight years. The methodology focused on verifying the presence of mammal species within Honduras. The review culminated in a publication in ZooKeys.
Findings
- The study confirmed 227 native mammal species in Honduras.
- These native species are distributed among 146 genera.
- The native species belong to 42 families.
- Three introduced rodent species were also identified in Honduras.
- The research forecasts that up to 28 additional species could eventually be confirmed in the country.
- This potential addition would bring the total number of confirmed mammal species to 258.