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Langbian Tree Rat

Chiromyscus langbianis
LC · Least concern Rodentia Muridae
Activity
Nocturnal
Sociability
Solitary

Description

An Indochinese tree rat described from specimens collected on Vietnam's Langbian Plateau, whose taxonomic position has oscillated several times between different genera during more than a century of study.

How to identify it

Medium-sized, with a characteristic dark tail; distinguishing the Langbian Tree Rat from other related tree rats in the region usually requires comparing cranial features, as the general external appearance of the group is very similar.

Signs and tracks

Tracks and signs: arboreal; it builds nests in vegetation and leaves nibbled plant remains on the branches where it feeds.

Habitat and range

Forest in India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Diet

Presumed herbivorous and omnivorous, like other tree rats in the region.

Behaviour

Arboreal, with habits poorly documented in detail.

Conservation

A species of wide distribution, considered of Least Concern, with no evidence of significant decline.

Threats

No major threats have been identified on a global scale.

Other accounts in Muridae

See all species accounts for rodents · Full species index

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