This volume provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date overview of all Middle and South American extant species of the cricetid tribes Akodontini and Oryzomyini, which are among the largest within the sigmodontine rodents. Containing detailed accounts of over 270 species currently recognized, this authoritative volume provides an unparalleled synthesis of the latest knowledge on one of the region's most diverse and ecologically significant mammalian groups.
Compiled by an international team of leading experts, the volume examines every species in depth, covering taxonomy, distribution, ecology, habitat use, diet, physiology, genetics, paleontology, reproduction and development, mortality and age determination, as well as economic significance and management. Particular attention is given to current priorities and future challenges in research and conservation, highlighting the critical role these rodents play in the ecosystems of the Americas.
Each chapter is richly illustrated and includes a distribution map, high-quality photographs, and carefully selected key references, making the volume both scientifically rigorous and highly accessible. As part of the Handbook of the Mammals of Middle and South America, this volume serves as an indispensable reference for mammalogists, paleontologists, archaeologists, wildlife biologists, conservationists, researchers, students, and professionals seeking a definitive overview of the Akodontini and Oryzomyini of Middle and South America.

Dr. Ulyses Francisco José Pardiñas: Argentinean paleontologist (born in Buenos Aires, 1969) focused on extinct and extant muroid rodents. Working from Patagonia (Principal Research in CONICET career), where he created two biological collections, co-authored > 300 articles, chapters, and books, including the co-edition of “Mammals of South America, Rodents” (2015, Chicago UP) and the senior authorship of “Family Cricetidae” for the Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Rodents II (2017, Lynx Ed.). 

Dr. João Alves de Oliveira: Brazilian zoologist (PhD Texas Tech University, 1998), Full Professor and Curator of Mammals in the National Museum, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Has co-authored 101 publications among research articles, chapters and books dedicated to taxonomic, evolutionary and bionomic studies of Neotropical mammals, particularly Brazilian rodents.

Biol. Jorge Brito Yakuma: Ecuadorian, biologist from the Universidad Central del Ecuador (2013) and researcher at the Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INABIO, Quito). Dedicated to the study of rodents, their taxonomic, systematic, distributional aspects and their environmental importance. Author of more than 115 articles, chapters and books, including the co-authorship of the “Family Cricetidae” for the Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Rodents II (2017, Lynx Ed.).

Dr. Jorge Salazar-Bravo: Associate Professor at Texas Tech University, with degrees from Bolivia (undergraduate, 1988) and the US (PhD, 2000). His work focuses on the interplay between ecology and evolution as determinants of mammalian biodiversity patterns in the New World. He described various mammalian taxa from species to tribes and has 140 published works in journals such as PNAS, Science, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, and PeerJ.