Suvarna Garge (Editor)

Rabbit rat

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Kingdom
  
Animalia

Order
  
Rodentia

Subfamily
  
Murinae

Higher classification
  
Murinae

Phylum
  
Chordata

Family
  
Muridae

Scientific name
  
Conilurus

Rank
  
Genus

Rabbit rat wwwlandmanagerorgauimagesConilurus20penicill

Lower classifications
  
Brush‑tailed rabbit rat, White‑footed rabbit‑rat

The rabbit rats, genus Conilurus represent an unusual genus of Old World rats from Australia, New Guinea, and Melville Island.

Head and body are 16.5–20 cm. Tail length is 18-21.5 cm. The tail is haired and has a distinct tuft at the end. These nocturnal animals are found in habitats ranging from coastal areas, swamps, plains, and forests. They have been reported along the edge of oceanic surf, presumably feeding.

Young have been found to cling to one of the mother's four nipples while she forages. Gestation is 33–35 days.

Species

Genus Conilurus - rabbit rats

  • White-footed Rabbit Rat, Conilurus albipes
  • Capricorn Rabbit Rat, Conilurus capricornensis †?
  • Brush-tailed Rabbit Rat, Conilurus penicillatus
  • References

    Rabbit rat Wikipedia