Laotian rock rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Laotian rock ratTemporal range: Recent
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Hystricomorpha
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Laonastes
Jenkins, Kilpatrick, Robinson & Timmins, 2005
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L. aenigmamus
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| Laonastes aenigmamus Jenkins, Kilpatrick, Robinson & Timmins, 2005
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The Laotian rock rat or kha-nyou (Laonastes aenigmamus) is a rodent species of the Khammouan area of Laos, first named in 2005.
Description
The animals look generally like rats, with thick, furred tails similar to a squirrel's, but limp. The head is large, with round ears and a somewhat bulbous bridge of the nose, and very long whiskers. Their fur is dark slate grey, with a blackish tail. The belly is lighter, with a small, whitish area in the center. Their eyes are beady and black. They are about 26 cm (10 in) long with a 14 cm (5.5 in) tail and weigh about 400 g (14 oz).
Natural history
Laotian rock rats are found in regions of karst limestone. They appear to be found only among limestone boulders on hillsides. Villagers in the area are familiar with the animal, calling it kha-nyou, and trapping it for food (Jenkins et al., 2005). The animals are presumed to be nocturnal.
These rock rats appear to be predominantly herbivores, eating leaves, grass and seeds. They may eat insects, as well, but probably not in high abundance. Females may give birth to a single young (Jenkins et al., 2005).
Laotian rock rats appear to be quite docile and slow-moving over open ground. They walk with feet splayed outward in a gait described as duck-like. Although not ideal for mobility on open surfaces, this appears to be efficient when scrambling up and across large rocks, the sideways angle allowing for greater surface area for their feet to find purchase on angled surfaces.
Images for kids
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Skull of L. aenigmamus
See also
In Spanish: Rata de roca laosiana para niños
