Scientific name Callistomys pictus Higher classification Callistomys Order Rodent | Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
Genus CallistomysEmmons and Vucetich, 1998 People also search for Orange-brown Atlantic Tree-rat | ||
The painted tree-rat (Callistomys pictus) is a species of spiny rat from Brazil and is the only species in the genus Callistomys. It appears to lack close relatives and is often placed in the genus Isothrix, or, less regularly, Nelomys.
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Identification
With a total length of ca. 30 cm (12 in), it is a relatively large species of spiny rat. It is white with a strongly contrasting glossy-black cap, back and band down towards its forelimbs. Its long fur is dense and coarse, but not spiny, as in some other members of its family. Specimens often have brown (rather than black) markings, but as far as it is known this is caused by fading and does not occur in the living animals.
Similar species
Owing to its striking black-and-white pelage, it is virtually unmistakable, but could perhaps be confused with a hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou spp.) – all of which have spines and lack the distinctive pattern of the painted tree-rat.
Habitat
Found in Atlantic forest. Also in cocoa plantations where some native trees remain. As far as known, it is nocturnal.
Geographical range
Restricted to north-eastern Bahia (often misquoted as S. Bahia) in eastern Brazil.
Status
The painted tree-rat is currently listed as Endangered by the IUCN because of its fragmented distribution, its continuing decline and the quality of its habitat. An outlying record was not included in the assessment.