White-footed rabbit-rat

Weißfußkaninchenratte ( Conilurus albipes )

The Weißfußkaninchenratte ( Conilurus albipes ) is an extinct rodent from the genus of Australian rabbits rats within the family of long-tailed mice.

Features

The Weißfußkaninchenratte reached a head -body length of 230 to 260 mm, a tail length of 220-240 mm, a Hinterfußlänge of 45 to 55 mm, an ear length of 25 to 30 mm and a weight of approximately 200 g were the females two breast teats. The Weißfußkaninchenratte was tall and robust physique from her. The head was broad and the snout was short. The ears were long and narrow. The top was pale gray-brown. The bottom, including the top of the feet, was white. The furry tail was two colors; dark brown at the top and whitish on the underside. The tip of the tail ending in a tuft of black hair.

Occurrence and habitat

The Weißfußkaninchenratte originally inhabited temperate Eukalyptenwaldland from southeastern South Australia through New South Wales and Darling Downs in south-eastern Queensland to the south-west Victoria

Way of life

Little is known about the lifestyle. She was active at night and lived partly on trees. During the day she sought in tree hollows or in the huts of the settlers shelter. The nests were built on branches. About the reproductive behavior there is only one recording in which a female had three cubs with her.

Extinction

The Weißfußkanichenratte was once common. Locally they penetrated into human settlements and taught in the grocery stores damage. The final proof evidence was in 1845. During an intensive search in Victoria in the years 1860-1862, this type has not been sighted. Presumably, the habitat destruction have contributed by grazing livestock, and rabbits, as well as predation by cats to eradicate Weißfußkaninchenratte.