Mammelomys
| Mammelomys | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Mammelomys | ||||||||||||
| Menzies , 1996 |
Mammelomys is a genus of rodents from the group of old world mice (Murinae). The genus includes two types. Until recently the animals were classified in the genus Melomys , with which they are not very closely related.
They are relatively large, rat-like animals. The head body length is around 15 to 19 centimeters, the tail measures 11 to 15 centimeters and the weight is 100 to 125 grams. Their fur is grayish, the underside is lighter, the tail is covered with scales.
These animals live in New Guinea . Their habitat are forests up to 1500 meters above sea level. They probably live solitary and live in earthworks, otherwise little is known about their way of life. The females have only one pair of teats and the litter size is small.
There are two kinds:
- Mammelomys lanosus lives in central New Guinea.
- Mammelomys rattoides is common in northern New Guinea.
According to the IUCN, both species are not endangered. The genus is systematically part of the Pogonomys group , a radiation of Old World mice that is predominantly found in New Guinea.
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
- Mammelomys on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved October 9, 2009.