Nesomys

The island rats or red forest rat ( Nesomys ) are a rodent species from the group of Madagascar rats ( Nesomyinae ). The three species of this genus are endemic to Madagascar.

The long, soft fur of these animals is colored red-brown at the top, the sides and the legs are red, while the throat and belly are white. The hind limbs are relatively long compared to other mice -like and the three middle toes are enlarged, suggesting an at least partially hopping lifestyle. Island rats reach a head-body length of 16 to 23 centimeters, a tail length of 15 to 19 centimeters and a weight of 150-225 grams.

Habitat of these animals are rain forests from sea level to 2300 meters above sea level. They are diurnal and crepuscular and exclusively inhabiting soil. For the rest they are retreating to burrows that can have multiple inputs and are lined with plant material. They are territorial, but nevertheless, depending on the type 0.4 to 1.4 acres of grounds may overlap.

There are three types:

• Nesomys rufus rather live in upland locations in northern and eastern Madagascar.
• Nesomys audeberti is located in the east of the island.
• Nesomys lambertoni lives on the west coast of Madagascar.