Monckton swimming rat

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Monckton swimming rat
Systematics
Family : Long-tailed mice (Muridae)
Subfamily : Old World Mice (Murinae)
Tribe : Hydromyini
Hydromys group
Genre : Crossomys
Type : Monckton swimming rat
Scientific name of the  genus
Crossomys
Thomas , 1907
Scientific name of the  species
Crossomys moncktoni
Thomas, 1907

The Monckton swimming rat ( Crossomys moncktoni ) is a little-known, large rodent native to New Guinea . It has so far only been observed in the highlands of central and eastern New Guinea, but may also occur in the west of the island.

The Monckton swimming rat is well adapted to the aquatic life. The length of the head body is 18 to 20 centimeters, plus 21 to 26 centimeters of tail. The weight of one female was 165 grams. The fur is gray-brown on the top and white on the underside. The tail has a bristle comb on the underside, a unique feature among rodents that is very similar to the water shrew . Apparently this device supports the rudder function of the tail. This species also has a waterproof coat, enlarged webbed hind legs, and reduced eyes and ears. The latter has also led to the name Earless Water Rat ("earless swimming rat"), but it is misleading because on closer inspection the ears are clearly visible.

The Monckton swimming rat lives along mountain streams at altitudes between 600 and 3000 meters. She digs burrows in the river banks where she sleeps at night. During the day she hunts tadpoles , worms and aquatic insects.

It is systematically considered a close relative of the swimming rats and is classified in the Hydromys group.

The IUCN lists the species as "not endangered" ( 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 , online .
  • Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. 2 volumes. 3. Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 , online .

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