Harrington rats
| Harrington rats | ||||||||||||
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| Desmomys | ||||||||||||
| Thomas , 1910 |
The Harrington rats ( Desmomys ) are a rodent genus from the group of old world mice (Murinae). The genus includes two types.
These rodents reach a head body length of around 12 centimeters, plus an average tail 15 centimeters long. The fur is yellowish-gray on the top and light gray on the underside. In their physique they resemble the closely related furrow-tooth brook rats ( Pelomys ).
Harrington rats are endemic to Ethiopia , they inhabit highland areas at 1,800 to 2,800 meters above sea level. They often live in swampy regions, but can also climb trees well. Otherwise very little is known about their way of life.
There are two types:
- The Harrington rat ( Desmomys harringtoni ) is native to western Ethiopia. The species is thought to be widespread and common.
- The Yalden rat ( Desmomys yaldeni ) was not described until 2003. She lives in a small area in southwestern Ethiopia and is listed by the IUCN as "endangered" ( vulnerable ).
They are systematically classified within the old world mice in the Arvicanthis group .
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 .