Melomys fraterculus (Thomas 1920)

[Uromys] fraterculus Thomas 1920, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 9, 6: 428.

Type Locality: Indonesia, Pulau Seram, Mt Manusela, 6000 ft (1830 m).

Vernacular Names: Manusela Melomys.

Distribution: Endemic to Seram Isl.

Conservation: IUCN – Lower Risk (nt).

Discussion: Still known only by the type series (2 specimens in BMNH; Helgen, 2003 b). Originally described as a species of Uromys, then placed in Pogonomelomys by Rümmler (1938), kept there by Tate (1951), but returned to Melomys by Laurie and Hill (1954). Based on our study of specimens, M. fraterculus shares many derived cranial features with the Australian M. cervinipes complex and may be more closely related to the indigenous Australian Melomys than to those on New Guinea. Menzies (1990:134), however, wrote that "Without more material and additional study it is difficult to say more about it. For the present it is best left in Melomys," and for Flannery (1995 b:133) "It may ultimately be necessary to create a new genus for it." Helgen (2003 b) promised a review in a forthcoming report.