Mountain swimming rat
| Mountain swimming rat | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name of the genus | ||||||||||||
| Parahydromys | ||||||||||||
| Poche , 1906 | ||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the species | ||||||||||||
| Parahydromys asper | ||||||||||||
| ( Thomas , 1906) |
The mountain swimming rat or mountain water rat ( Parahydromys asper ) is a rodent from the group of old world mice (Murinae).
With a head body length of 21 to 23 centimeters, a tail length of 23 to 28 centimeters and a weight of 490 to 590 grams, the mountain swimmers are among the larger old world mice. Their short, rough fur is gray-brown on the top and whitish to light brown on the underside. Characteristic is the broad muzzle with numerous vibrissae , the hind feet are webbed.
Mountain swimmers live in New Guinea . They inhabit mountainous regions all over the island and can be found between 600 and 2700 meters above sea level. They live in forests or in other areas with dense vegetation, mostly near rivers. Presumably they feed on insects and other invertebrates.
It is systematically considered a close relative of the swimming rats ( Hydromys ) and is classified in the Hydromys group.
The species is common, no threats are known, the IUCN lists it as “not at risk” ( least concern ).
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 .
- Michael D. Carleton , Guy G. Musser : Order Rodentia. In: Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. Volume 2. 3rd edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 , pp. 745-752.
Web links
- Parahydromys asper onthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . Retrieved May 28, 2009.