Seram bandicoot facts for kids
The Seram bandicoot (Rhynchomeles prattorum) is a special small animal. It is also called the Seram Island long-nosed bandicoot. This animal lives only on Seram island in Indonesia. It is the only type of animal in its group, called Rhynchomeles.
Quick facts for kids Seram bandicoot |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rhynchomeles
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| Species: |
prattorum
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| Seram bandicoot range | |
Contents
About the Seram Bandicoot
The Seram bandicoot was named by a scientist named Oldfield Thomas. He named it after three brothers, Charles, Felix, and Joseph Pratt. These brothers were the ones who found the first animals.
Discovery and Status
Scientists first found seven Seram bandicoots in 1920. They were all found on the Indonesian island of Seram. Since then, no other Seram bandicoots have been officially seen.
Because it lives in such a small area, it is listed as an endangered species. This means it is at risk of disappearing forever. The IUCN Red List keeps track of animals like this.
Where It Lives
The Seram bandicoot was found in a special kind of forest. This forest is a tropical mountain forest. It is located inside Manusela National Park.
One of the animals was found very high up. It was about 1,800 meters (about 5,900 feet) above sea level. This is like being on top of a very tall mountain!
Threats to the Seram Bandicoot
The Seram bandicoot faces several dangers. One big threat is the clearing of forests. People sometimes cut down trees in the lower parts of the forest. This takes away the bandicoot's home.
Also, new animals can be a problem. When animals like pigs and dogs become feral (wild), they can hunt the bandicoots. This can make their numbers go down even more.
Vernacular Names
Local people on Seram Island have their own names for the Seram bandicoot:
- In the Manusela language, it is called mabaya.
- In the Nuaulu language, it is called imanona.
