Pogonomelomys

Pogonomelomys is a rodent species from the group of Altweltmäuse ( Murinae ). The genus includes two species.

These animals can reach a body length 13-19 centimeters, the tail measures 14 to 21 centimeters. The weight, if known, is around 75-110 grams. Their fur is brownish on the top and white on the underside dyed, hands and feet are yellowish-white. The head is short and broad, the tail can be used as a prehensile tail.

These rodents live in New Guinea, their habitat are rainforests, they come from the sea level to 1500 meters above sea level before. They live solitary and usually stay on the trees. For the rest they retire to nests, which they build in tree cavities or on the ground.

There are known two types:

• Pogonomelomys bruijni lives only on the Vogelkop peninsula in western New Guinea. The species is IUCN as Near Threatened ( near threatened ).
• Pogonomelomys mayeri occurs in many parts of New Guinea and is not endangered.

A former third type, P. Sevia, is now listed in a separate genus as Abeomelomys Sevia. Systematically is the genus of the Pogonomys group, a predominantly indigenous to New Guinea radiation of Altweltmäuse.