Target rat
| Target rat | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the genus | ||||||||||||
| Stochomys | ||||||||||||
| Thomas , 1926 | ||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the species | ||||||||||||
| Stochomys longicaudatus | ||||||||||||
| ( Tullberg , 1893) |
The target rat ( Stochomys longicaudatus ) is a rodent from the group of old world mice (Murinae).
Target rats reach a head body length of 12 to 17 centimeters, the tail measures 18 to 25 centimeters and the weight is 45 to 105 grams. Their fur is long and rather coarse, and the animals owe their name to especially long hair on the top, as they are reminiscent of arrows stuck in the target. Their fur is reddish-brown on the upper side, gray on the flanks and whitish on the belly. The tail appears naked, but is covered with fine hairs.
These rodents live in Africa , their range extends from Togo to western Uganda . Their habitat is predominantly rainforests , sometimes they can also be found in swamps and even on plantations. They are nocturnal and mostly stay on the ground. Their diet consists primarily of fruits, but they also eat green parts of plants and insects.
The target rat is widespread and, according to the IUCN, is not an endangered species. It is systematically included in the Hybomys group within the old world mice .
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 .
- Michael D. Carleton , Guy G. Musser : Order Rodentia. In: 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 , pp. 745-752.
Web links
- Stochomys longicaudatus onthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . Retrieved May 28, 2009.