One of the largest rats in Southeast Asia, with an evolutionary history so complex that recent genetic studies have revealed that what was considered a single widespread species actually conceals at least two distinct lineages.
Large for its genus and one of the largest rodents in its range, it shares the dense grey back and sharply demarcated white belly characteristic of the genus Berylmys, and is distinguished from Berdmore's White-toothed Rat primarily by its larger size.
It inhabits a wide variety of habitats, from plantations to montane forest; its tracks and signs include burrows and surface runways in woodland and cultivated areas. Its distribution is scattered, although it is locally abundant where found.
Wide variety of habitats, including plantations, subtropical and montane forest, cultivated fields, scrub and disturbed forest, in China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
Omnivorous, with the ability to adapt to a wide variety of food sources in both natural and modified habitats.
Irregularly distributed but locally abundant and common within its wide range of habitats.
A species of wide distribution and considered of Least Concern, although its taxonomy remains under review and it may be split into more than one valid species.
No major threats have been identified at a global scale.
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