Giant jumping rat

Scientific name: Hypogeomys antimena

Country: Madagascar

Diet: The giant jumping rat feeds on fallen fruit and seeds. Food is consumed in a manner similar to squirrels. It is held in the forepaws and manipulated in the mouth while the rat sits semi-upright on its haunches.

Habitats: It is found in the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar, especially around the town of Morondava.

Description: The giant jumping rat is the largest rodent in Madagascar and is about the size of a rabbit. It has long pointed ears, short fur and large rear feet which are used for jumping.

Lifestyle: Giant jumping rats are nocturnal and live in burrows. These typically consist of a complex of tunnels, each around 45cm in diameter, up to 5 metres long and one metre underground. A family unit, consisting of a monogamous pair and offspring, generally lives in a burrow and maintains a territory covering 7-10 acres, although this expands in the dry seasons when food is scarce.