Timor rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Timor rat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rattus
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| Species: |
timorensis
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The Timor rat (Rattus timorensis) is a special type of rodent that lives on the island of Timor. It's part of the Muridae family, which includes many kinds of mice and rats. This unique rat is only found in Indonesian West Timor.
Scientists first learned about the Timor rat from a single animal found near the top of Mount Mutis. This mountain is a high peak in West Timor. The rat makes its home in the teak forests that grow there.
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What is the Timor Rat?
The Timor rat is a species of rat, meaning it's a specific kind of animal within the larger group of rats. It was officially named by scientists Kitchener, Aplin, and Boeadi in 1991. Finding new species like this helps us learn more about the amazing variety of life on Earth.
Where Does It Live?
The Timor rat lives in West Timor, which is part of Indonesia. This area is known for its beautiful teak forests. Teak trees are very tall and strong, and they create a special environment for animals. The rat was found high up on Mount Mutis, suggesting it prefers these mountain forest habitats.
Why Is It Important?
Every animal plays a part in its ecosystem. Even though we don't know a lot about the Timor rat, it's an important part of the natural world in West Timor. Scientists continue to study animals like this to understand how they live and what they need to survive.
What Does "Data Deficient" Mean?
The Timor rat is listed as "Data Deficient" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that scientists don't have enough information about the rat's population or how many are left in the wild. Because we don't know much, it's hard to tell if it's in danger or not. More research is needed to understand and protect this unique creature.
See also
In Spanish: Rattus timorensis para niños
