Supriya Ghosh (Editor)

Carpentarian rock rat

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Kingdom
  
Order
  
Genus
  
Higher classification
  
Phylum
  
Chordata

Family
  
Scientific name
  
Zyzomys palatilis

Rank
  
Species

Carpentarian rock rat atozanimalsnetwpcontentuploads201512carpent

Similar
  
Central rock rat, Zyzomys, Common rock rat, Mammal, Northern hopping mouse

The Carpentarian rock rat (Zyzomys palatalis) is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found only in Australia.

Contents

Description

It is a small and compact conilurine rodent. Its fur is grey-brown above and pale below. The tail is used to store fat at its base, making it carrot-shaped; the skin of the tail is fragile and easily damaged by handling. The average weight of individuals is about 120 g.

Distribution and habitat

It has a very limited range, being currently known from only five localities within the Wollogorang Station pastoral lease of the Northern Territory, close to the border with Queensland, near the Gulf of Carpentaria. Crucial habitat characteristics are rugged sandstone gorges with a cover of dry monsoon vine-thicket or tropical woodland, and with access to permanent water.

Conservation

The estimated size of the wild population of this species is less than 2000. The main threat is from hot, late dry-season, fires. It is classified as being Critically Endangered. It is subject to conservation management, including a captive breeding program at the Territory Wildlife Park.

References

Carpentarian rock rat Wikipedia


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