Moonrat

Echinosorex gymnura

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Eulipotyphla · Erinaceidae

About

The moonrat is a southeast Asian species of mammal in the family Erinaceidae. It is the only species in the genus Echinosorex. The moonrat is a fairly small, primarily carnivorous animal which, despite its name, is not closely related to rats or other rodents. The scientific name is sometimes given as Echinosorex gymnurus, but this is incorrect.

Fun Fact

Moonrats are the largest members of the hedgehog family but lack spines entirely, and they emit a pungent ammonia-like odour from scent glands that has been compared to rotten garlic.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Tropical forests and mangroves

Diet

Omnivore

Lifespan

5-7 years

Threats

Wildfire
Illegal Logging

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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