New Guinea waterside rat

The mountain swimming rat ( Parahydromys asper ) is a rodent species from the group of Altweltmäuse ( Murinae ).

With a body length 21-23 cm, a tail length 23-28 centimeters and a weight of 490-590 grams include the mountain swimming rats to the larger Altweltmäusen. Their short, coarse fur is colored gray-brown on the top and bottom off-white to light brown. Characteristic is the broad muzzle with the numerous vibrissae, the hind feet are webbed.

Mountain swimming rats live in New Guinea. They inhabit mountainous regions all over the island and can be found 600-2700 m above sea level. They live in forests or in other areas lined with dense vegetation, usually near rivers. Presumably they feed on insects and other invertebrates.

The species is common, there are no known threats, the IUCN lists them as " not at risk " ( least concern ).