Rattus baluensis Thomas 1894

Rattus baluensis Thomas 1894, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 6, 14: 454.

Type Locality: Malaysia, Sabah (N Borneo), Mt Kinabalu, 8000 ft (2438 m).

Vernacular Names: Kinabalu Rat.

Distribution: Known only between 1524 and 3360 m on slopes of Mt Kinabalu, N Borneo (Md Nor, 2000; Musser, 1986).

Conservation: IUCN – Endangered.

Discussion: Rattus rattus species group. Taxonomic history of past association of baluensis with Rattus rattus documented by Musser (1986), who also noted that its closest relative is probably R. tiomanicus, which occurs in lowlands of Borneo and on many islands on the Sunda Shelf. Member of the suite of murine species endemic to Borneo (Musser, 1986; see also account of Chiropodomys major).