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Luzon bushy-tailed cloud rat

rodent
Also known as: Crateromys schadenbergi

Quick Summary

The Luzon bushy-tailed cloud rat is a species of slow-moving, nocturnal, tree-dwelling rodent found exclusively in the forests of the Philippines. These rats belong to the genus Crateromys and are characterized by their long, bushy tails, a unique feature among Old World rats and mice. The Luzon bushy-tailed cloud rat (C. schadenbergi) is the largest in its genus, inhabiting the mountain forests of northern Luzon. It exhibits polymorphic fur coloration, meaning individuals can be black, white, or a mix of these colors. These rodents build stick nests in trees and feed on pine buds and bark. All cloud rats are closely tied to old-growth tropical forests, and many populations are threatened by overhunting and deforestation.1

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