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.
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