Lesser Bandicoot-rat
Bandicota bengalensis
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Muridae
About
The lesser bandicoot rat, Sindhi rice rat, Bengal rat or Indian mole-rat is a giant rat of Southern Asia, not related to the true bandicoots which are marsupials. They can be up to 40 cm (16 in) long, are considered a pest in the cereal crops and gardens of India and Sri Lanka, and emit piglike grunts when attacking. The name bandicoot is derived from the Telugu language word pandikokku, which translates loosely to "pig-rat". Like the better known rats in the genus Rattus, bandicoot rats are members of the family Muridae. Their fur is dark or (rarely) pale brown dorsally, occasionally blackish, and light to dark grey ventrally. The head-body length is around 250 mm, and the uniformly dark tail is shorter than the head-body length.
Fun Fact
They can be up to 40 cm (16 in) long (including the tail), are considered a pest in the cereal crops and gardens of India and Sri Lanka, and emit piglike grunts when attacking.
Quick Facts
Habitat
To be updated
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance