Central Rock Rat   RAT
Central Rock Rat
Central Rock Rat
Scientific Name:
Zyzomys pedunculatus
Other Names and/or Listed subspecies:
Australian Native Mouse, Central Thick-Tailed Rock Rat, MacDonnell Range Rock Rat
Group:
Mammals
Status/Date Listed as Endangered:
EN-US FWS: June 14, 1976
CR-IUCN: 2008
Area(s) Where Listed As Endangered:
Australia
 
Advertisement
 

The central rock rat is one of five species of rock rats found in the southern portion of Australia's northern territory. It was believed to be extinct until rediscovered in 1996. These rodents grow to be stocky with thick, yellowish-brown fur on the upper body and lighter fur on the lower body. Weight ranges from 70 to 120 grams, and head and body length ranges from 4.2 to 5.9 inches. Rock rats are also called thick-tailed rats because of their unusually thick, long tails. They are known to lose their tails, fur and skin very easily if not handled carefully.

The central rock is the only rock rat species that lives in the arid habitat of central Australia, and it has been found in a variety of vegetative communities from tussock and hummock grasslands to low open woodlands. Very little is known about its behavior and ecology. Rock rats are believed to be nocturnal. Diet consists of seeds of grasses, shrubs, forbs, and insects. Juveniles have been seen in the wild in June, and some have been bred in captivity with litter sizes of up to four young.

The main threats to the species have not been formerly identified. Potential threats include loss of habitat due to forest fires and competition with other grazing herbivores, such as horses. The rats are also preyed upon by dingoes. Some central rock rats are protected in the West MacDonnell National Park, and there is a captive breeding program in Alice Springs Desert Park.




Wikipedia Article

This article is only an excerpt. If it appears incomplete or if you wish to see article references, visit the rest of its contents here.
Wikipedia Article
Copyright Notice: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Central rock rat".

Featured Article

10 Unusually White Creatures You'll Probably Never See in Real Life
Creatures with albinism and leucism are beautiful and rare animals. They have all the characteristics of others of their species except they are white in color. The lack of melanin generally results in the animal looking bleached all over, appearing white or pink. It happens in many animals ranging from squirrels to whitetail deer. Here are ten incredible and rare, white-colored creatures that you'll probably never see in real life.

Read More...


Advertisement


Endangered Species of Our Planet

Donate, Adopt, Get Involved

EEC Conservation Directory
Donate

Mailing List

Would you like to receive a notice and link when the new Creature Feature is posted?

Enter your e-mail address below:

 

Fun & Games

Are you inspired by endangered animals? Check out our games and coloring pages! More to come soon.
color endangered creatures
play hangman