This species is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) because previous assessments estimated dramatic population loss (~80%) due to land conversion and hunting. Its population in Mexico (its natural range) occurs in one of the most heavily altered forest landscapes and therefore the species is experiencing a continuing decline in habitat quality, extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO). Additionally, currently there are no conservation actions or plans in place for this species. While there is no recent information to calculate the specific decrease in AOO and EOO, we can infer that its habitat has been decreasing due to human activity, particularly land conversion for grazing and agriculture, and is continuing. This new assessment for Dasyprocta mexicana is CR A2cd, based on a suspected reduction in population size of at least 80% over the last 10 years.

This species occurs in southeastern Mexico including Veracruz, northern Oaxaca, northwestern Chiapas, and western Tabasco (Gilbert and Lacher 2016). It has been introduced to western and eastern Cuba (Gilbert and Lacher 2016). It can be found from sea level to 500 m asl.

This rodent is probably uncommon (Reid 1997). Its population has been reported as decreasing (Reid 2009, Vazquez pers. comm. 2019). However, camera trap surveys and transect results reported Dasyprocta mexicana as the most abundant species reported in sites in Oaxaca (Chimalapas Forest, NE Oaxaca, Selva Zoque) and Veracruz (Las Tuxtlas) (Gilbert and Lacher 2016).

The population is suspected to have undergone a reduction of at least 80% over the last 10 years due to habitat transformation for agricultural use, habitat loss, and overexploitation. Sánchez-Cordero et al. (2005) estimated 35% of the ecological niche of D. mexicana was already lost in 2000. Although there is no direct study within the last five years re-evaluating the originally estimated 80% population decline as of 2016 (Gilbert and Lacher 2016), there has been no evidence to indicate any halt or significant reduction to any of the threats listed by Lira-Torres and Briones-Salas since that assessment. Such threats include habitat transformation due to cattle ranching, habitat loss, and overexploitation due to hunting. Over the past 10 years, “deforestation, urbanization, and illegal hunting, have all continued, with only a few natural protected areas sustaining wildlife mammals, in the region where D. mexicana is distributed (Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas states)" (E. Vázquez pers comm. 2021).

This species occurs in lowland evergreen forest and second growth (Reid 1997). It is mainly diurnal, although sometimes it is seen at night. It is terrestrial. This species eats fruit, soft seeds, and new growth of forest plants. In Veracruz, fruits eaten include figs, hog plums (Spondias mombin), and Brosimum alicastrum. It may be seen alone or in pairs. Pairs occupy territories of 1 to 2 ha. One or two young are born during the dry season. Young are precocious and follow their mother soon after birth (Coates-Estrada and Estrada 1986, Reid 1997). The range of this species is through parts of Mexico with significant loss of forest (Tabasco, Veracruz and northern Oaxaca), and the habitat available to this species is fragmented and not very large (F. Reid pers. comm. 2016). However, Dasyprocta species do well in secondary and disturbed habitats (L. Emmons pers. comm. 2016).

Habitat loss is a major threat to this species (IUCN 1996). Reduction results from habitat transformation due to cattle ranching, agricultural expansion, and hunting (Lira-Torres and Briones-Salas 2011), which can have particularly severe impacts on this species that prefers undisturbed forest. The species is also hunted for food and as an agricultural pest throughout its distribution (Gilbert and Lacher 2016). Over the past 10 years, deforestation, urbanization, and illegal hunting have continued in the region where D. mexicana is distributed  (E. Vázquez pers. comm. 2021).

This species is hunted for food and as an agricultural pest throughout its distribution (Gilbert and Lacher 2016). It is also considered one of the primary sources of animal protein for those who inhabit the Selva Zoque area; however, unsustainable hunting has led to overexploitation (Lira-Torres and Briones-Salas 2011).

This species occurs within a few protected areas in Mexico, but there are currently no conservation actions or plans in place (Vazquez pers. comm. 2019). It is not listed on any endangered species lists in Mexico (Ceballos 2014).