Elvira rat
| Elvira Rat | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Genus: | Cremnomys |
| Species: | C. elvira |
| Binomial name | |
| Cremnomys elvira (Ellerman, 1946) | |
| Synonyms | |
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The Elvira Rat (Cremnomys elvira) is a critically endangered species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found only in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India.
Description
The Elvira rat reaches a head-and-body length of 149 mm, in addition to a tail of up to 196 mm. Its upper parts are brownish grey and the underparts are greyish white. The tail is bicoloured.[2]
Distribution and habitat
This species is known only from its type locality in the Salem District of the Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, where it appears to occur in rocky habitats and dry deciduous scrub forest at elevations between 230 and 380 m.[1]
Conservation
Although exact population sizes are unknown, it is thought that the species is under high pressure from habitat destruction through expansion of human settlements, logging, grazing, and dumping of mining debris. Previously considered vulnerable, in 2008 it was upgraded to a conservation status of Critically Endangered by the IUCN.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 Molur, S. & Kennerley, R. (2016). "Cremnomys elvira". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2016: e.T5514A22417451. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
- ↑ Molur, S.; Srinivasulu, C.; Srinivasulu, B.; Walker, S.; Nameer, P. O.; Ravikumar, L. (2005). "Large Rock-Rat - Cremnomys elvira". Status of south Asian non-volant small mammals: conservation assessment and management plan (CAMP) workshop report (PDF) (Report). Coimbatore, India: Zoo Outreach Organisation/CBSG-South Asia.