Bramble Cay Mosaic-tailed Rat

Bramble Cay Mosaic-tailed Rat (Melomys rubicola)

Bramble cay mosaics are critically endangered and can only be found on the Bramble Cay Island. There are only a few hundred specimens left, the numbers steadily decline as the sand cay erodes away. There is so little information about the bramble cay mosaic-tailed rat due to its location and small population. It is widely believed that a major storm could potentially wash away the habitat of the bramble cay mosaic-tailed rat. This species is very difficult to survey.

The bramble cay mosaic-tailed rat will use various debris, logs, and vacant burrows left by other species. Bramble Cay Island is made of sand with some vegetation also present.

Bramble cay mosaic-tailed rats are generally golden in colour with a white underbelly. The ears are round and brown. An average bramble cay mosaic will measure about 150mm including the head and body. The tail is notably longer than the body, with an average measurement of 165mm. Scales are present on the tail, hence the name “bramble cay mosaic-tailed rat”.

Feeding is believed to take place amongst the vegetation.

Unfortunately there is no available information about the breeding habits of the bramble cay mosaic-tailed rat.

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Bibliography

The Action Plan for Australian Rodents, Australian Department of the Environment and Heritage, 8/7/04, http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/action/rodents/rodap3.html.


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