Grassland mosaic-tailed rat

Prairie Melomys ( Melomys burtoni ) is a native to Australia and New Guinea species of the family of long-tailed mice.

Features

The up to 55 g heavy Prairie Melomys has a body length from 90 to 140 mm and a tail length of 100 to 150 mm. The coat is the top side khaki, cinnamon or sludge colors, underside lighter. In the neck area bright spot pattern may occur.

Occurrence

The Prairie Melomys lives in open grassland, reed areas in or on sugar cane plantations up to 2000 m altitude. He avoids dense vegetation.

Food

The rodent feeds on grasses and their seeds, rarely also of insects. Since the animal can climb well, it is to be used in the management of sugar cane from the root to the tip. The gnawed plants often die by subsequent bacterial invasion. In Queensland, the damage is in the millions.

Reproduction

The Prairie Melomys builds a round spherical nest of grass, which is fixed in circa 1 m height at two to three sharp blades of grass. The female gives birth to two to three cubs to the world, open their eyes after seven to ten days and are weaned at six weeks. In case of danger, such as a bushfire, the boys bite on the teats of the fleeing mother animal and can be saved.