False water rat

The Wrong swimming rat ( Xeromys myoides ) - in contrast to the genus of the (genuine ) swimming rats ( Hydromys ) - is a rodent species from the group of Altweltmäuse ( Murinae ).

Features

Incorrect swimming rats have a streamlined body, the head is elongated, the ears are small and round and the eyes also small. Their fur is dark gray at the top, the underside is lighter. The paws are covered with fine white hairs. In contrast to most other Altweltmäusen they have only two molars per half of the jaw. They reach a body length 11-13 centimeters, the tail is about 9 centimeters relatively short. My weight is 40 to 60 grams.

Distribution and habitat

These animals live in southern New Guinea and northern Australia, there are finds on the coast of the Northern Territory and Queensland, but the exact dimensions are not known. Their habitat is marshes and mangrove swamps.

Way of life

Incorrect swimming rats build nests of leaves and mud, where they spend the day. The nests are at the roots of mangrove trees, they remind us of termite mounds and are up to 60 centimeters high. Several passages lead from the nest in the ground. In these nests live up to eight animals, one male, several females and the common pups. At night, they go in search of food, they eat crabs, worms and other small animals.

Endangering

Main threat to the Wrong swimming rat, the destruction of their habitat and the pollution of the waters dar. Its distribution area is highly fragmented and small, the IUCN lists the species as "endangered" ( vulnerable ).

System

The Wrong swimming rat, together with the genera Leptomys and Pseudohydromys the Xeromys group within the Altweltmäuse.

According to genetic studies of Lecompte et al. (2008) are the animals of the Xeromys group is part of a widespread mainly in New Guinea and Australia Radiation of Altweltmäuse, the Hydromyini. This includes radiation nor the Chrotomys group that Hydromys group that Lorentzimys group that Pogonomys group that Pseudomys group and the Uromys group. With the authentics rats ( Rattus), however, they are only distantly related.