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 unique type of rodent found only in the Khammouan area of Laos. It was first officially named by scientists in 2005.
How Does It Look?
The Laotian rock rat generally looks like a large rat. It has a thick, furry tail that reminds you of a squirrel's, but it's not as stiff. Its head is quite big, with round ears and a slightly rounded nose. It also has very long whiskers.
Their fur is a dark slate grey color, and their tail is almost black. Their belly is lighter, with a small, whitish spot in the middle. They have small, black, shiny eyes. These rats are about 26 cm (about 10 inches) long, with a tail that is about 14 cm (about 5.5 inches) long. They weigh around 400 grams (about 0.9 pounds).
Where Does It Live and What Does It Do?
Laotian rock rats live in areas with karst limestone. This means they are found among big limestone rocks and boulders on hillsides. Local villagers know this animal well and call it kha-nyou. They sometimes trap it for food.
These rock rats are thought to be nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. They mostly eat plants, making them herbivores. Their diet includes leaves, grass, and seeds. They might also eat insects, but probably not very often. Female rock rats usually give birth to one young at a time.
Laotian rock rats seem to be quite calm and move slowly when they are on flat ground. They walk with their feet spread out, in a way that has been described as "duck-like." Even though this walk isn't great for open spaces, it helps them climb and move across large rocks. The way their feet angle sideways gives them a better grip on uneven surfaces.
Images for kids
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Skull of L. aenigmamus
See also
In Spanish: Rata de roca laosiana para niños
