Scientific Name : Leopoldamys edwardsi
Family : Muridae
Order : Rodentis
Class : Mammalia
Phylum : Chordata
Other Name : Edwards’s Long-tailed Giant Rat
Habitat : Forest
Description : Edwards's Long-tailed Giant Rat has a long, slender body with a long, hairless tail that is longer than its body. It has a reddish-brown fur on its back and sides, with a lighter underbelly. Its eyes are large and round, and its ears are small and rounded.
This Rat can grow up to 30-45 cm in length, with a tail that can reach up to 50 cm. They can weigh up to 1 kg.
This Rat is omnivorous and feeds on a variety of plant material, insects, and small animals.
It is a nocturnal animal and spends most of its time on rocky hillsides and in caves. They are agile climbers and can also move quickly on the ground. They are generally solitary creatures, except during mating season.
It is found in the rocky hillsides and forests. They prefer areas with rocky terrain and caves for shelter.
It has a gestation period of around 60 days and can produce up to 2-3 offspring per litter. The young are born with their eyes closed and are cared for by their mother until they are able to fend for themselves.
It is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting for its meat and fur. It is protected by law in some countries, but more conservation efforts are needed to ensure its survival.
Distribution in Bangladesh
References:
description written by:Asad U. Tanvir,Department of Zoology,Jagannath University,Dhaka; reviewed by:Muntasir Akash,Department of Zoology,University of Dhaka;Taxonomic Checklist:Red List of Bangladesh Volume 2: Mammals, 2015, IUCN; information sources:wikipedia,iucnredlist.org; photo credit:sidfrancis(www.inaturalist.org/people/sidfrancis), photo copyright: iNaturalist.more information please contact with us.