Ryukyu Islands Tree Rat (Diplothrix legata) — Endangered Mammalia

Ryukyu Islands Tree Rat

Diplothrix legata

Conservation Status

Endangered

Mammalia · Rodentia · Muridae

About

The Ryukyu long-tailed giant rat or Ryukyu rat, also known as the rodent in the family Muridae. It is the only extant species in the genus Diplothrix and is endemic to the central Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Its natural habitat consists of temperate forests.

Fun Fact

The body length of both sexes is estimated to be over 56 centimetres at sexual maturity.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Endemic to the central Ryukyu Islands of Japan (Amami-oshima, Tokuno-shima, and Okinawa-jima).

Diet

Diet includes both plants, such as fruits, and animals, including invertebrates like butterflies, beetles, and slugs (of the genus Meghimatium sp.

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

  • Habitat Loss
  • Poaching and Hunting
  • Human-Wildlife Conflict
  • Disease

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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