Himalayan field rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Himalayan field rat |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Rattus
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| Species: |
nitidus
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| Native distribution | |
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The Himalayan field rat (Rattus nitidus) is a type of rodent, which is a group of mammals like mice and squirrels. People sometimes call it the white-footed Indo-Chinese rat because of its white feet. This rat lives in many places across Asia, including India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. It has also been introduced to places like Indonesia and the Philippines. It's a very common animal, so experts say it's a "least concern" species, meaning it's not currently in danger.
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About the Himalayan Field Rat
How Scientists Name Animals
The Himalayan field rat was first described in 1845. A British scientist named Brian Houghton Hodgson gave it its first scientific name. He called it Mus nitidus. Later, scientists moved it to the genus Rattus, which is the group that includes many common rats.
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the Himalayan field rat. They are called R. n. nitidus and R. n. obsoletus. Scientists have studied its DNA and its body shape. These studies show that it is closely related to the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus).
What It Looks Like
The Himalayan field rat is about 160 to 180 millimeters (6 to 7 inches) long from its head to its body. It has soft, brown fur on its back. Its belly is whitish, and each hair has a grey base.
Its feet are white, which is why it's sometimes called the white-footed rat. Its back feet are thinner than those of a brown rat. The soles of its feet have special ridges. These ridges help the rat get a better grip when it is climbing.
Where It Lives and Its Home
This rat is native to many parts of southeastern Asia. You can find it from northern India, Bhutan, and Nepal, all the way through China. It also lives in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It has been brought to other places too, like Palau, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
The Himalayan field rat usually lives in forests, both old and new. It can live at high places, up to about 2,750 meters (9,020 feet) high. But it is a very adaptable animal. This means it can also live in other places. You might find it in farms, plantations, or even near people's homes.
Its Conservation Status
The Himalayan field rat is a very common animal. It can live in many different types of environments. Scientists have not found any major threats to this species. Because it is so widespread and adaptable, the International Union for Conservation of Nature says it is a "least concern" species. This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
