Gray tree rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gray tree rat |
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The gray tree rat (Lenothrix canus) is a cool type of rodent that lives in trees. It's the only species in its group, called Lenothrix. You can find these furry creatures in the forests of Indonesia and Malaysia. Good news! Experts say it's a common animal, so it's not currently in danger of disappearing.
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About the Gray Tree Rat
The gray tree rat was first officially described in 1903. An American animal expert named Gerrit Smith Miller Jr. gave it its scientific name, Lenothrix canus. This rat is quite special because it has many old-fashioned features. These features suggest it might have developed differently from other rats a long time ago.
What Does It Look Like?
The gray tree rat is a medium-sized rodent. Its body, from head to rump, is about 165 to 220 mm (6 to 9 in) long. Its tail is even longer, measuring around 190 to 270 mm (7 to 11 in).
Fur and Color
This rat has thick, soft fur that feels like wool. It doesn't have any spiky hairs. Its head and back are a grayish-brown or gray color. Its belly and chest are white or a creamy white.
Tail and Feet
The tail of the gray tree rat is dark near its body. But closer to the tip, it turns white. Its back feet are wide. All of its toes have claws, which helps it climb.
Where Does It Live?
The gray tree rat makes its home in Indonesia and Malaysia. You can find it in many places across these countries.
Specific Locations
Its home range includes the main part of Malaysia and islands like Penang Island and Tuangku Island. It also lives in the states of Sabah, Sarawak, and Kalimantan on the big island of Borneo. Even though it hasn't been officially seen in Brunei, it probably lives there too. Experts think it just hasn't been looked for enough.
Habitat
This rat loves to live in trees and bushes. It can be found in all sorts of wooded areas. It lives in places that are up to 550 m (1,800 ft) high.
Daily Life and Diet
The gray tree rat is a nocturnal animal. This means it is most active at night. During the day, it rests. It spends most of its time high up in trees and bushes. Its favorite food is fruit.
Conservation Status
The gray tree rat is a very common species. It can handle changes to its home. It can even live in forests that have been regrown or in rubber plantations.
Protected Areas
This rat lives in several safe places. These include Gunung Palung National Park and Mount Kinabalu National Park.
Overall Status
Experts haven't found any major threats to the gray tree rat. Because of this, the International Union for Conservation of Nature says it is a "least concern" animal. This means it's not currently at risk of disappearing.
