Brachytarsomys

Brachytarsomys albicauda

The Madagascar White-tailed rats ( Brachytarsomys ) are a rodent species from the group of Madagascar rats ( Nesomyinae ). The genus is divided into two types, Brachytarsomys albicauda and Brachytarsomys villosa who live in the woods in the east of the island of Madagascar.

Physically, these animals resemble the island of rats ( Nesomys ), but differ in the shorter hind legs. Their fur is gray brown on the top, the sides are reddish, and the belly white. Named giving feature is the sparsely haired tail, the rear half is colored white. These animals can reach a body length of about 20 to 25 centimeters, the tail is as long as the body.

Little is known about the lifestyle of Madagascar White-tailed rats. They are primarily arboreal, living in tree hollows and feed primarily on fruits.