Scientific name Canariomys Higher classification Murinae Order Rodent | Subphylum Vertebrata Subfamily Murinae Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | |
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Similar Gran Canaria giant rat, Rodent, Mammal, Mallomys, Trefoil‑toothed giant rat | ||
Canariomys is an extinct genus of rodents (Old World rats and mice) that once existed on the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, part of the Canary Islands, Spain. These giant rats could reach a weight of about 1 kg. The species was a herbivore; its diet was based on plant materials, probably soft vegetables as some roots, ferns, berries, but not grass.
It is generally believed that the species of Tenerife lived in a wooded area linked to the laurisilva and that it had climbing abilities, whereas the species of Gran Canaria lived in more open environments and was more linked to the excavation of burrows.
Two species are currently recognized:
References
Canariomys Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA