It methodically piles branches, spiny cactus and other thorny materials into mounds popularly known as woodrat houses. These botanical fortresses protect its central nest from most predators unable to breach the barrier of spines. It inhabits the arid and semi-arid scrub of north-eastern Mexico, where these structures can reach over a metre in height and are reused and expanded by successive generations of the same family. Its name refers to the state of Tamaulipas, where it was first documented in arid zones, although its true distribution extends somewhat further. It is one of several Mexican woodrats whose biology depends almost entirely on the availability of cacti and thorny shrubs with which to build its characteristic shelter.
A medium-sized rodent with a robust body, greyish-brown fur on the upperparts and paler underparts, large eyes and a moderately long, hairy tail. It is distinguished from other woodrats in north-eastern Mexico mainly by cranial details; its presence is identified more easily by its characteristic mounds of thorny branches than by direct observation of the animal.
Tracks and signs: tracks show 4 fore toes and 5 hind toes, the hind track measuring 2-2.5 cm. Droppings are rounded and elongate, 8-10 mm long, left in small piles near the entrance of the shelter. The most unmistakable sign is its house itself: a mound of branches, spiny cactus and other prickly plant material piled up to 1 m high and several metres in diameter at the base, with several entrances hidden among the spines and a central nest of soft material.
Arid and semi-arid scrub with columnar cactus and thorny shrubs, from lowlands to transition zones leading to mountain scrub. Distributed across north-eastern Mexico, mainly in the state of Tamaulipas and neighbouring areas.
Herbivorous, feeding on leaves, tender stems, cactus fruit and seeds from the arid scrub where it lives.
Solitary and territorial, constructing and maintaining a shelter mound that can be inherited and expanded by successive generations of the same family line. Nocturnal, spending the day sheltered in the central nest of its mound of thorny branches.
Populations are generally considered stable across a good deal of its range, though undergoing local declines due to the transformation of native arid scrub in parts of north-eastern Mexico.
Transformation of native arid scrub through agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in parts of north-eastern Mexico.
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