Magdalena rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Magdalena rat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Xenomys
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| Species: |
nelsoni
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The Magdalena rat (scientific name: Xenomys nelsoni) is a type of rodent. It belongs to the Cricetidae family, which includes many rats and mice. This special rat lives only in a small part of western Mexico. It's the only species in its group, called Xenomys. The name "Magdalena" comes from the village where it was first found. The "nelsoni" part of its scientific name honors the person who collected it.
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What Does the Magdalena Rat Look Like?
The Magdalena rat is quite a big rat compared to its relatives. It grows to be about 30 to 34 cm (12 to 13 in) long. This measurement includes its long tail, which is about 14 to 17 cm (5.5 to 6.7 in) by itself. An adult Magdalena rat usually weighs around 113 g (4.0 oz).
Its body is mostly a cinnamon or yellowish-brown color. Its head is a bit lighter, and its belly is a creamy white. You can tell it apart from other rats because it has white spots above its eyes and behind its ears. Its cheeks also have white fur. The tail is dark brown and has both hair and scales.
Where Does the Magdalena Rat Live?
This rat is only found in a specific area of Mexico. It lives along the Pacific coast in the states of Colima and southwest Jalisco. Scientists believe it lives in an area no bigger than 4,600 km2 (1,800 sq mi).
Within this region, the Magdalena rat prefers to live in thick tropical forests. It can be found at heights up to 450 m (1,480 ft) above sea level. There are no different types or subspecies of this rat known.
How Does the Magdalena Rat Live?
The Magdalena rat is an arboreal animal, which means it lives in trees. It is also nocturnal, meaning it is active at night. During the day, it sleeps.
These rats move through the forest by using branches and vines. They usually stay between 1 and 4 m (3 ft 3 in and 13 ft 1 in) above the ground. They build round nests inside hollow trees. These nests are cozy, lined with grass and soft fibers from kapok fruit.
Magdalena rats also have special places they use as bathrooms, called latrines. These can be in tree hollows or where branches split. They have babies between late May and November, usually one or two young at a time.
Why is the Magdalena Rat in Danger?
The Magdalena rat is an endangered species. This means there are not many of them left, and they are at risk of disappearing forever. Their biggest threats are habitat destruction and fragmentation. This happens when their forest homes are cut down or broken into smaller pieces.
People cutting down trees (deforestation) and building new things are causing these problems. The Magdalena rat is only known from three places, and its population is getting smaller.
