Baiyankamys
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| Hinton , 1943 |
Baiyankamys is a genus of rodents from the group of old world mice (Murinae). The genus includes two types. Until recently, the animals were still assigned to the swimming rats (genus Hydromys ).
These animals reach a head body length of 13 to 16 centimeters, in addition there is a 15 to 19 centimeter long tail. Their fur is predominantly gray in color, the tail ends in a white tip.
They are native to New Guinea , their habitat are mountainous forests up to 3600 meters above sea level. They live near rivers and streams. In the water they also hunt their food, such as fish and insects.
There are two types:
- Baiyankamys habbema is only known from a small area in the Indonesian part of New Guinea, but the species could be more widespread than previously known.
- Baiyankamys shawmayeri lives in large parts of eastern New Guinea. The species is widespread and not endangered.
literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
- Kristofer M. Helgen : The amphibious murines of New Guinea (Rodentia, Muridae): the generic status of Baiyankamys and description of a new species of Hydromys . In: Zootaxa . No. 913, 2005, pp. 1-20, online (PDF; 11.54 kB) .
Web links
Commons : Baiyankamys - collection of pictures, videos and audio files
- Baiyankamys on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved October 9, 2009.