Galápagos giant rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Megaoryzomys curioi |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Skull of a Megaoryzomys curioi | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Megaoryzomys
|
| Species: |
curioi
|
The Megaoryzomys curioi, also known as the Galápagos giant rat, was a large rodent that is now extinct. This means it no longer exists anywhere in the world. It lived only on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos Islands. It was the only known species in its group, called Megaoryzomys.
About the Galápagos Giant Rat
The Galápagos giant rat was a type of New World rat. Scientists have studied its skull to understand its family tree. For a long time, it was unclear exactly which group of rodents it belonged to. However, a study in 2020 looked closely at its skull. This study suggested it was part of a group called Oryzomyini.
Why Did the Galápagos Giant Rat Disappear?
The Galápagos giant rat likely became extinct because of people. When European settlers arrived on Santa Cruz Island, they brought new animals with them. These new animals were often invasive species. This means they were not native to the island and caused harm to the local wildlife. These new animals might have eaten the giant rats or competed with them for food. This led to the sad disappearance of the Galápagos giant rat.
