Parotomys

The Karru rats ( Parotomys ) are a rodent species from the group of Altweltmäuse ( Murinae ). They are close relatives of the lamellar tooth rats ( Otomys ). The genus includes two species.

Karru rats reach a body length 14-17 centimeters, the tail is 8 to 12 centimeters relatively short. My weight is around 90 to 150 grams. Their fur is yellow-brown or reddish brown at the top, the bottom is white or light brown. The body of these animals is stocky, the ears are remarkably small.

Karru rats live in southern Africa, their range includes southern Namibia, southern Botswana and western South Africa. Their habitat is the dry, desert -like Karoo landscape. They live in burrows with many entrances, which they dig in the sand. In the building they build nests out of plant material. The food of these animals consists of grasses, seeds and stems.

There are known two types:

• Parotomys brantsii lives in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.
• Parotomys littledalei inhabited the coast of Namibia and western South Africa.

Both species are not endangered according to IUCN.