Mimic tree-rat

The Guinea - white-tailed rat ( Xenuromys barbatus ) is a rodent species from the group of Altweltmäuse ( Murinae ).

Guinea - white-tailed rats are one of the major representatives of the Altweltmäuse. They reach a body length 27-34 centimeters, to which another 22 to 28 centimeters long tail comes. It weighs 0.9 to 1.1 kilograms. The coat is reddish brown or gray on the back, the belly is light gray to whitish. The paws are nearly smooth, the white-colored at least half of tail is scaly.

These rodents are known from various locations in New Guinea, it is conceivable that extends their range over the whole island. Their habitat is hilly or mountainous forests up to 1600 meters above sea level.

Very little is known about the lifestyle. Presumably they live on the ground and feed on fruits, seeds and insects.

Area, the Guinea - white-tailed rat is hunted for their meat, total is the kind but according to IUCN not compromised. Systematically is the type of the Pogonomys group, a predominantly indigenous to New Guinea radiation of Altweltmäuse.