Target rat


The target rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is the only species in the genus Stochomys. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Description

The target rat is so named because it has a number of long bristles projecting from its rump which resemble the shafts of arrows in a target. The synonym Mus sebastianus also refers to this, Saint Sebastian being an early Christian martyr said to have been tied to a tree and shot with arrows. The fur is dark reddish-brown and the tail very long.

Distribution and habitat

The target rat is native to humid rainforests in tropical western Central Africa. Its range extends from Togo through Benin and Nigeria to the Congo Basin and eastwards to western Uganda. It occurs in swampy areas of forests and in gallery forests and beside streams. It has also been observed in secondary forests around villages and in banana plantations.

Ecology

The target rat is largely nocturnal and feeds on the ground on green vegetable material and fallen fruit, supplementing these with some insects. Little is known of the social organisation of this species but in Cameroon a group of thirteen was caught at one location in an oil palm plantation. This rat seems to breed at any time of year.

Status

The target rat has a wide range and is a common species. It is presumed to have a large population and no particular threats have been identified. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".