Nonsense rat
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Rattus
Species:
R. burrus
Binomial name
Rattus burrus
(Miller, 1902)
Synonyms
  • Mus burrescens Miller, 1902
  • Mus burrulus Miller, 1902
  • Mus burrus Miller, 1902

The nonsense rat, Nicobar Archipelago rat or Miller's Nicobar rat (Rattus burrus) is endemic to the Nicobar Islands in India. It lives on Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, and Trinket islands. On Car Nicobar Island, Rattus palmarum and Rattus anadamanensis live instead.[1]

The species was first described in 1902 by Miller, who placed it in the genus Mus.[2] Today it is classified in the genus Rattus.[1] The origin of the name "nonsense rat" is uncertain, as Miller did not provide a common name in his original description.[2] More recent sources, such as the IUCN, include it.[1]

Habitat and distribution

The nonsense rat is endemic to the Nicobar Islands, where it is confined to isolated populations on the islands of Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar and Trinket. It inhabits tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.[1]

Conservation

The nonsense rat is classified as endangered by the IUCN.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Molur, S. (2016). "Rattus burrus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T19325A22444340. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T19325A22444340.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 Miller, Gerrit S. (May 1902). "The Mammals of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands". Proceedings of the United States National Museum. Washington DC: United States National Museum. 24 (1269): 751–795. doi:10.5479/si.00963801.24-1269.751. hdl:2027/hvd.32044107357428. OCLC 24358381.


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