Paramelomys

Paramelomys is a rodent species from the group of Altweltmäuse ( Murinae ). The genus includes nine species. Until recently, they were still together with Melomys.

These rodents are rather small, mouse -like animals. They reach a body length 9-18 centimeters. Their fur is dyed at the top mostly brownish, the underside is whitish to light brown. From Melomys they are distinguished by the longer, flatter skull.

The animals are native to New Guinea, their habitat is forests up to 3000 meters above sea level. They are often located on the ground and live in burrows, but can climb well. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, berries and plants.

There are nine known species:

• Paramelomys gressitti inhabited a small area in the east of New Guinea.
• Paramelomys levipes is located in lowlands in southeastern Guinea.
• Paramelomys lorentzii occurs in southern New Guinea.
• Paramelomys mollis lives in central New Guinea African highlands.
• Paramelomys moncktoni inhabited lowlands to the east of New Guinea.
• Paramelomys naso is common in the lowlands in the south-western New Guinea.
• Paramelomys platyops occurs in almost all of New Guinea.
• Paramelomys Rubex inhabited the mountainous region in the central New Guinea.
• Paramelomys steini is known only from a small area in West New Guinea.

The IUCN lists P. gressitti as " critically endangered " ( endangered ), for P. levipes and P. steini lacked data, the remaining six species are common and not endangered.

Systematically, the genus within the Altweltmäuse is classified in the Uromys group.