The big-eared climbing rat is in the order Rodentia and in the family Cricetidae and is most widely distributed species in the genus Ototylomys.

[2] The genus dates back 3.35 Mya, prior to the Great American Biotic Interchange and Its initial occurrence was near Honduras and El Salvador.

The skull is flat on top and has a prominent interparietal bone and supraorbital ridges There is no sexual dimorphism in this species.

We know their dietary needs are very not well known because the big-eared climbing rats that have been successfully housed in laboratories often have their tails fall off due to malnutrition.

They chased their mothers almost from birth and by day 2 they are already 50% of the adults body length and respond to loud noises.

[5] The big-eared climbing rat has been a subject of study due to a disease caused by Leishmania mexicana.