Galápagos Giant Rat

Megaoryzomys curioi

Conservation Status

Extinct

Mammalia · Rodentia · Cricetidae

About

Megaoryzomys curioi, also known as the Galápagos giant rat, is an extinct species of sigmodontine rodent, known only from Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos Islands. It likely met its demise when European settlers introduced invasive species to the island. It is the only species in the genus Megaoryzomys. Its relationships have historically been unclear; it has been placed in both Oryzomyini and Thomasomyini in the past. A 2021 study favoured placing it in the former on overall skull morphology.

Fun Fact

It likely met its demise when European settlers introduced invasive species to the island.

Quick Facts

Habitat

To be updated

Diet

To be updated

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

Habitat Destruction
Overexploitation

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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