Short-footed Luzon tree rat

The short-footed Luzon tree rat or greater dwarf cloud rat (Carpomys melanurus) is a species of rodent in the family Muridae.[2] It is found only in the Philippines, specifically in northern Luzon. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forests.[1]

Short-footed Luzon tree rat
Carpomys melanurus (below) with C. phaeurus (above)

Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Carpomys
Species:
C. melanurus
Binomial name
Carpomys melanurus
Thomas, 1895

This species was long thought to be extinct. In 2008, Filipino researchers including Dr. Danilo Balete found a specimen in the canopy of Mount Pulag National Park, the first scientifically observed individual of the species since 1896.[3] The captured individual was "about 185 grams and has dense soft reddish-brown fur, a black mask around large dark eyes, small rounded ears, a broad and blunt snout and a long tail covered with dark hair".[3]

References
  1. Heaney, L., Balete, D., Rosell-Ambal, G., Tabaranza, B. & Ong, P. (2008). "Carpomys melanurus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2008: e.T3917A10172176. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T3917A10172176.en.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
  2. Musser, G.G.; Carleton, M.D. (2005). "Superfamily Muroidea". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 894–1531. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  3. "Mammal believed extinct found in mossy forest". CBC News. 2008-05-02. Retrieved 2008-05-02.


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