Rhizomys sumatrensis sumatrensis

(Raffles, 1821)

Vernacular names
English : Indomalayan bamboo rat
French : Rat des bambous de Malaisie

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Spalacidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known

Identification
Huge species growing to 50 cm long with a 20 cm long relatively thin tail, for a weight over 4 kg. Large head with huge orange teeth protruding from mouth. This subspecies is one of the clearest in fur coloration, being almost white with grizzled flanks and brownish tinge on snout and around eyes. Very faint dark spot on forehead.

Range and habitat
This subspecies only occurs in the southern parts of peninsular Malaysia, from Perai and Pahang to Johor. Species found from southern China and Indochina to Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. It lives in secondary forests and sometimes plantations as long as human disturbance is limited, up to 1000 meters above sea level.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a huge range and remains common and can often be found in plantations not far from human settlements if left undisturbed. This species is often harvested for food and kept as pet. This is likely an unsustainable trend on the long run although it seems that the species is now farm-bred to sustain the demand for food.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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