Earless water rat

The Monckton - floating rat ( Crossomys moncktoni ) is a little-known, large rodent from New Guinea. It has been observed only in the highlands of central and eastern New Guinea, but is possibly also in the west of the island.

The Monckton - rat swimming is excellent adapted to aquatic life. The body length is 18 to 20 centimeters, added 21 to 26 cm tail. The weight of the females was 165 grams. The coat color is gray-brown on the upper side and lower side white. The tail has a bristle comb, a unique feature among rodents, which is found quite similar in the water shrew at the bottom. Apparently, this device supports the function of the tail rudder. Moreover, this type has a waterproof coat, enlarged hind legs with webbed, reduced eyes and ears. The latter has also led to the name Earless Water Rat ( " earless swimming rat "), which is misleading, however, because on closer inspection the ears are clearly visible.

The Monckton - floating rat lives along mountain streams at altitudes of 600-3000 meters. It burrows in the banks of rivers, where she sleeps at night. During the day she goes on the hunt for tadpoles, worms, and aquatic insects.

The IUCN lists the species as " not at risk " ( least concern ).