Sulawesi barbed rats
| Sulawesi barbed rats | ||||||||||||
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Echiothrix leucura |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Echiothrix | ||||||||||||
| JE Gray , 1867 | ||||||||||||
The Sulawesi spiny rats ( Echiothrix ) are a genus of rodents from the group of old world mice (Murinae). The genus includes two types.
General
The head body length of these animals is 20 to 25 centimeters, the tail measures 23 to 25 centimeters and the weight is 220 to 310 grams. The fur consists of both softer hairs and bristly spines, it is colored gray or gray-brown on the upper side, the underside is light gray to white. The face is elongated and gives a shrew-like impression, the scaly tail is hairless.
These rodents live on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi , their habitat are deeper rainforests. They are nocturnal ground dwellers and feed mainly on earthworms.
Systematics
According to Wilson & Reeder (2005), the Sulawesi spiny rats occupy an isolated position within the old world mice and are therefore classified in their own genus group, the Echiothrix group. It is probably an old genus endemic to Sulawesi, whose relationship to other old world mice is unclear.
There are two types:
- Echiothrix centrosa in central and northern Sulawesi, and
- Echiothrix leucura at the tip of the northeastern peninsula.
Both species are threatened by the destruction of their habitat. The IUCN lists E. leucura as "high risk" ( endangered ) and E. cent pink as "endangered" ( vulnerable ).
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 .
- 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 .
Web links
- Echiothrix on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved October 18, 2009.