Golden-bellied oryzomys facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden-bellied oryzomys |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Cricetidae |
| Genus: | Nephelomys |
| Species: |
N. auriventer
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| Binomial name | |
| Nephelomys auriventer (Thomas, 1899)
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| Synonyms | |
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Oryzomys auriventer Thomas, 1899 |
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The golden-bellied oryzomys or Ecuadorian rice rat is a small rodent known by its scientific name, Nephelomys auriventer. It belongs to a group of rodents called Nephelomys and is part of the Cricetidae family, which includes many rats and mice.
This species was first described in 1899 by a scientist named Oldfield Thomas. He originally placed it in a different group, Oryzomys. Over the years, scientists learned more about it. In 2006, it was moved to the new group Nephelomys along with other similar species.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The golden-bellied oryzomys is a medium-sized rodent. It is a bit smaller than a common black rat (Rattus rattus). Its fur is fine and smooth, not woolly. The fur on its back is about 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) long.
Fur Color and Features
The fur on its upper body is blackish. This color gets lighter towards its sides. The fur on its belly is a distinct ochre (golden-yellow) color. This golden belly gives the rat its common name.
It has large, brown ears. Its tail is long and has very few hairs. The top of the tail is dark brown, and the underside is slightly lighter.
Size of an Adult Rat
Scientists measure different parts of these animals. An adult male golden-bellied oryzomys, which was studied, had these measurements:
- Head and body length: 147 millimeters (5.8 inches)
- Tail length: 160 millimeters (6.3 inches)
- Hindfoot length (without claws): 35 millimeters (1.4 inches)
- Ear length: 23 millimeters (0.9 inches)
Where Does It Live?
The golden-bellied oryzomys lives in specific parts of South America. You can find it in eastern Ecuador and northern Peru. It lives on the eastern slopes of the Andes mountains.
Habitat and Elevation
This rodent prefers areas at high elevations. It lives between 1,000 and 2,900 meters (3,300 to 9,500 feet) above sea level. It can be found in different types of places:
- Páramo: These are high-altitude grasslands found in the Andes.
- Forests: It also lives in various kinds of forest habitats.
Population Status
The golden-bellied oryzomys is not very common in Ecuador. In Peru, it has only been found in one location so far. This location is much further south than where it lives in Ecuador.
