Mammelomys

Mammelomys is a rodent species from the group of Altweltmäuse ( Murinae ). The genus includes two species. Until recently, the animals were classified in the genus Melomys with which they are not very closely related.

There are relatively large rat-like animals. The body length is about 15 to 19 centimeters, the tail measures 11 to 15 cm and the weight is 100 to 125 grams. Their fur is grayish, the underside is lighter, the tail is covered with scales.

These animals live in New Guinea. Their habitat is forests to 1500 meters above sea level. You probably live solitary and inhabit burrows, otherwise little is known about their way of life. The females have only one pair of teats, the litter size is small.

There are two types:

• Mammelomys lanosus lives in the central New Guinea.
• Mammelomys rattoides found in northern New Guinea.

Both species are not endangered according to the IUCN. Systematically is the genus of the Pogonomys group, a predominantly indigenous to New Guinea radiation of Altweltmäuse.