Order : RODENTIA
Family : Muridae
Species : Rattus tiomanicus

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

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 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.

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

Figs 1 and 2 : Typical example, photographed in secondary scrub, Singapore.

Fig 3 : This specimen was active at night amongst vegetation on the slopes of a hill covered in secondary forest.


References :

Payne, J., Francis, C.M., 1998. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo. The Sabah Society.