Cloud rat
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Phloeomys |
The cloud rats are a group of nocturnal rodents native to the forests of the Philippines. There are six known species of cloud rat, one of which is extinct [1]. These animals have not been studied extensively. The Filipino Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau has begun breeding Northern Luzon slender-tailed cloud rats in captivity. London Zoo is the only location outside of the Philippines where cloud rats are bred in captivity [2]. Cloud rats are slow-moving herbivores and are thought to be preyed upon by large birds. The rats are quite large, and the have been hunted by people in the Philippines for their meat, driving the rodents to near extinction.
[edit] Species
Giant cloud rats - genus Phloeomys
- Phloeomys pallidus (Northern Luzon Slender-tailed Cloud Rat)
- Phloeomys cumingi (Southern Luzon Slender-tailed Cloud Rat)
Bushy-tailed cloud rats - genus Crateromys
- Crateromys schadenbergi (Giant Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat)
- Crateromys paulus (Ilin Island Cloud Rat) -extinct
- Crateromys australis(Dinagat Island Cloud Rat)
- A fourth species in the Crateromys genus was discovered in 1987, but has not yet been named.
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