Tarsomys
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Tarsomys | ||||||||||||
| Mearns , 1905 |
Tarsomys is a genus of rodents from the group of old world mice (Murinae). The genus includes two types.
They are rat-like rodents with a head body length of 14 to 18 centimeters and a 12 to 16 centimeter long tail. Their back is brown and their belly is colored light brown or light gray. The ears are densely hairy, the hind feet are long and thin, the paws have long, strong claws.
These rodents are native to the Philippines , where they are found on the island of Mindanao . Their habitat are forests, both in the lowlands and up to 2300 meters above sea level. They probably live on the ground and feed on small animals that they dig out of the earth.
The two types are:
- Tarsomys apoensis , which has a softer coat, and
- Tarsomys echinatus , whose fur is more prickly.
The IUCN lists T. echinatus as endangered ( vulnerable ) because it is severely affected by habitat destruction. T. apoensis is not endangered.
The genus is systematically classified in the Rattus group , so it is closely related to rats .
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 .
