Eliurus

A Bilchschwanz ( Eliurus sp.)

The Bilchschwänze ( Eliurus ) is a rodent genus of the subfamily of Madagascar rats ( Nesomyinae ). The genus includes about ten species in Madagascar are all endemic.

Bilchschwänze mice are outwardly similar animals. Named giving feature are the bushy tails reminiscent of dormice, but in most species the anterior third of the tail is hairless, resulting in a brush -like impression. Their soft fur is dyed on the top gray-brown or yellow-gray, while the underside and the limbs are light gray. Bilchschwänze reach a body length 8-18 cm, a tail length of 8 to 21 centimeters and a weight of 35 to 100 grams.

These animals inhabit mainly rain forests at altitudes of 2000 meters. They are nocturnal and stay mostly on trees on, of some species but there are reports that during the day they retire to burrows. Their diet consists of seeds and fruits.

The following ten types are distinguished:

• Eliurus antsingy
• Eliurus ellermani
• Eliurus grandidieri
• Eliurus majori: The species inhabits highlands in northern and central Madagascar and is led by the IUCN as threatened.
• Eliurus minor
• Western Bilchschwanz ( Eliurus myoxinus )
• Eliurus penicillatus: The species is known only from one location in eastern Madagascar and is considered highly threatened.
• Eliurus petteri
• Eliurus tanala
• Eliurus Webbi