Kingdom Animalia Order Rodentia Genus Mesembriomys Higher classification Mesembriomys | Phylum Chordata Family Muridae Scientific name Mesembriomys gouldii Rank Species | |
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Similar Mesembriomys, Mammal, Golden‑backed tree‑rat, Common rock rat, Western chestnut mouse | ||
The black-footed tree-rat also known as Djintamoonga (Mesembriomys gouldii) is one of two endemic arboreal rat species from the genus Mesembriomys found in the northern regions of Australia.
The species is one of the largest murids found in Australia. It is a folivore and frugivore and its diet may be supplemented by invertebrates such as termites and molluscs.
The tree rat has a greyish-brown coat that is shaggy and coarse and has a creamy white underbelly. The hind feet are back and they have well developed pads and strong sharp claws. They also large ears and a long tail with a brush of white hair at the tip. They grow up to a mass of 830 grams (29 oz). The height of the rat is typically 250 to 310 millimetres (9.8 to 12.2 in) with a length of 320 to 420 millimetres (13 to 17 in).
Mesembriomys gouldii has a range extending from the savannahs of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland westward to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Habitats such as tropical woodlands or open forest are suitable for the tree rat. It is not commonly found across the area and the population has been reduced between 30 to 50% in the last decade. The estimated population is 30,000.
The tree rat is solitary and nocturnal, it is arboreal sheltering in tree hollows and pandanus stands during the day.
