For decades, biologists and naturalists have collected and deposited specimens and records of mammals found in the state in natural history museums and databases. These verified records served as building blocks for the second edition of Mammals of Oklahoma, and its companion, a special publication listing the state’s mammal records of occurrence.
The first reference book provides species accounts of the state’s 117 species of mammals – describing the animal’s physical attributes, its habits, and documented collections within Oklahoma – while the second gives a countyby- county reckoning of the individual voucher specimens and the museums in which they now reside.
Did You Know?
Once compiled, the Mammals of Oklahoma Records of Occurrence revealed several fun facts and collection trends, including: • Thirteen of Oklahoma’s mammals are reported to have a statewide distribution, but only one species, the hispid cotton rat, has a voucher specimen – an archived sample with location data – recorded for each county.
• Though lacking voucher specimens, two common game animals, the striped skunk and white-tailed deer, have been recorded in each county thanks to camera traps, hunting records, and roadkill documentation.
The second edition of Mammals of Oklahoma is available from the University of Oklahoma Press. (Look for the OU Press annual winter book sale for a discounted price.) The special publication of records of occurrences is available as a free digital copy and bound copies can be purchased from Texas Tech University.
