Dassie rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dassie rat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Petromus
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| Species: |
typicus
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The dassie rat (Petromus typicus) is a cool African rodent that lives among rocks. It's the only living member of its group, called Petromus, and its family, Petromuridae. The name "dassie" means "hyrax" in Afrikaans, and both animals like similar rocky homes. Petromus means "rock mouse," and dassie rats are often called rock rats.
What Makes Dassie Rats Special?
Dassie rats look a bit like squirrels. Their tails are hairy, but not bushy. The bottoms of their feet are bare and have soft pads. Their heads are quite flat, which helps them in rocky places.
Their fur can be brown, grey, or even almost black. Their nose is often yellowish and stands out. They don't have a soft layer of fur underneath their main coat.
A unique feature is where the mothers' teats are located. They are on the sides of the body. This lets baby dassie rats feed easily when they are squeezed into tight rock cracks.
Where Do Dassie Rats Live and What Do They Eat?
Dassie rats only live in rocky areas. You can find them in Namibia, parts of Angola, and northwest South Africa. They are amazing at squeezing into very narrow rock crevices. This is possible because their skulls are flat and their ribs are flexible.
Dassie rats mostly eat grasses. Sometimes, they will also munch on fruits, seeds, and leaves. They have strong cheek teeth that help them chew their food.
Female dassie rats usually give birth to only two babies once a year. This is a very slow rate for a rodent, as many rodents have babies much more often.
