Papagomys
Genus of rodents / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Papagomys is a genus of very large rats in the tribe Rattini of the subfamily Murinae, with body masses of 600–2,500 grams (1.3–5.5 lb).[1] It contains two species, which are known only from the Indonesian island of Flores:[2]
- Flores giant rat Papagomys armandvillei
- Verhoeven's giant rat Papagomys theodorverhoeveni (possibly extinct, only known from subfossil remains)
Quick Facts Scientific classification, Species ...
Papagomys | |
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Stuffed specimen of Papagomys armandvillei | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Rodentia |
Family: | Muridae |
Tribe: | Rattini |
Genus: | Papagomys Sody, 1941 |
Species | |
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A possible unnamed third species is also known from subfossil remains.[1]
Both species have records extending to the early Late Pleistocene.[3] The species are thought to be terrestrial, preferring closed habitats, with P. armandvillei known to engage in burrowing. They are thought to be omnivores, consuming leaves, fruit and invertebrates.[1]