Nesomys lambertoni, G. Grandidier, 1928
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publication ID |
https://doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.6600357 |
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DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6600249 |
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persistent identifier |
https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03993828-FFFA-0F5F-FAF3-F4D6C8ADFB70 |
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treatment provided by |
Felipe |
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scientific name |
Nesomys lambertoni |
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Lamberton’s Forest Rat
Nesomys lambertoni View in CoL
French: Nésomys de Lamberton / German: Lamberton-Inselratte / Spanish: Rata de bosque de Lamberton
Other common names: Western Nesomys, Western Red Forest Rat
Taxonomy. Nesomys lambertoni G. Grandidier, 1928 View in CoL ,
type locality not given. Identified by M. D. Carleton and colleagues in 2014 as “Mahajanga Province (former), Melaky Région, Antsalova District, tsingy habitat at the western margin of the Bemaraha Massif and east of Antsalova .”
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. Endemic to CW Madagascar (Tsingy de Bemaraha area). View Figure
Descriptive notes. Head-body 189-195 mm, tail 183-191 mm (two individuals); weight 225-243 g. Lamberton’s Forest Rat is distinctly large and appears squirrel-like from a distance. Dorsum is dark reddish brown, mixed with black hair especially in middle of back, and it becomes more saturated with red along flanks. Venteris light brown. It has an elongated snout and distinctly long ears. Tail is completely covered with long, thick dark brown hair. Legs are dark brown, tending to be black.
Habitat. Dry deciduous forest, specifically karst areas forming “tsingy” (limestone pinnacle) habitat, at elevations of ¢.100 m. Lamberton’s Forest Rat makes its dens in small caves and rock shelters in limestone.
Food and Feeding. LLamberton’s Forest Rat is presumed to be largely granivorous and frugivorous.
Breeding. Female Lamberton’s Forest Rats have three pairs of mammae, and based on limited information, litter size is one young.
Activity patterns. Lamberton’s Forest Rat is diurnal and terrestrial, tending to be crepuscular.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Endangered on The IUCN Red List. Lamberton’s Forest Ratis strictly forest-dwelling and is known from a restricted zone of dry deciduous forest that grow on limestone substrate. Its complete known distribution occurs in Tsingy de Bemaraha UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is subjected to fire and other anthropogenic pressures.
Bibliography. Carleton, Smeenk et al. (2014), Goodman & Schutz (2003), Goodman, Ganzhorn & Rakotondravony (2003), Goodman, Soarimalala et al. (2013), Ryan (2003), Soarimalala & Goodman (2011).
No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.
