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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
Copyright ©
 
 
     

 

 
   
Malaysian Wood Rat
   

Photographed at night in mangrove habitat at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore.

Order : RODENTIA
Family : Muridae
Species : Rattus tiomanicus

Head-Body Length : 14-19cm
Tail Length : 12-18cm
Weight : 80-130 grams

References : M2

Mainly nocturnal, the Malaysian Wood Rat occurs in a variety of habitats including coastal forests, especially mangroves, secondary forests and grasslands. It has also adapted to plantations such as rubber and sometimes oil palm.

 
 

The species is common in oil palm plantations in Malaysia.
 

The upper parts are brown, and the underside light grey to white, the latter being an identifying feature. The fur is soft, and the tail dark in colour. The feet are broad and the upper side is devoid of hair (see inset).

The species ranges from Peninsular Malaysia, including the island of Tioman after which the species is named, to Singapore, Sumatra, Java and Borneo.