Woolly giant rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woolly giant rat |
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| K. tomentosus in Santa Cruz, Bolivia | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Kunsia
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| Species: |
tomentosus
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The woolly giant rat (Kunsia tomentosus) is a very large rodent that lives in South America. Rodents are a group of mammals that includes rats, mice, and squirrels. This special rat is known for its thick, woolly fur.
It is the only species in its group, called the Kunsia genus. This means it is unique and does not have any close relatives that are also called woolly giant rats. These rats are good at digging and spend a lot of time in burrows underground.
Contents
What Does the Woolly Giant Rat Look Like?
The woolly giant rat is an incredibly big rat. It is the largest type of rat in a family called sigmodontine rodents. These rats have short legs and strong claws, which help them dig.
Size and Weight
Woolly giant rats can be different sizes. Their body, from head to tail, can be from 19 to 29 centimeters (about 7.5 to 11.4 inches) long. Their tail is shorter, usually between 15 and 20 centimeters (about 5.9 to 7.9 inches) long.
They can weigh from 240 to 630 grams (about 0.5 to 1.4 pounds). No other rat in their family gets as heavy as 400 grams (about 0.9 pounds)!
Fur and Other Features
Their fur is very thick and feels rough. It is usually a dark gray or brown color all over their body. The fur on their throat and belly is a little lighter.
Their tail looks scaly and has very little hair. It is dark gray or black. Woolly giant rats have a large nose area and small, round ears. Female rats have eight teats, which are used for feeding their babies.
Where Do Woolly Giant Rats Live?
Woolly giant rats live in parts of central Brazil and northern Bolivia. They are found in areas called the cerrado in Brazil and the Llanos de Moxos in Bolivia.
Habitat and Elevation
The cerrado is a type of grassland with some shrubs and trees. The Llanos de Moxos is a large plain. These rats live in places that are between 60 and 750 meters (about 200 to 2,460 feet) above sea level.
In Brazil, you can find them in the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Rondônia. They prefer open areas like grasslands and savannas. You won't find them in thick forests.
What Do Woolly Giant Rats Eat and Do?
Woolly giant rats are omnivorous, which means they eat both plants and animals. They mostly eat the roots of grasses. They also enjoy eating termites and orthoptera, which are insects like grasshoppers and crickets. They use their strong sense of smell to find their food.
Daily Life and Habits
Scientists think these rats are either nocturnal (active at night) or crepuscular (active during dawn and dusk). They spend most of their time hidden underground in their burrows. They usually come out more often during the rainy season.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Not much is known about how woolly giant rats live and grow. However, it is believed that they have babies twice a year. This helps them keep their population strong.
