The rabbit rats, genus ''Conilurus'' represent an unusual genus of
Old World rats from
Australia,
New Guinea
New Guinea (; Hiri Motu: ''Niu Gini''; id, Papua, or , historically ) is the world's second-largest island with an area of . Located in Oceania in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, the island is separated from Australia by the wide Torr ...
, and
Melville Island.
Head and body are 16.5–20 cm. Tail length is 18–21.5 cm. The tail is haired and has a distinct tuft at the end. These
nocturnal animals are found in habitats ranging from coastal areas, swamps, plains, and forests. They have been reported along the edge of oceanic surf, presumably feeding.
Young have been found to cling to one of the mother's four nipples while she forages. Gestation is 33–35 days.
Species
Genus ''Conilurus'' - rabbit rats
*†
White-footed rabbit rat, ''Conilurus albipes''
*†
Capricorn rabbit rat, ''Conilurus capricornensis''
*
Brush-tailed rabbit rat
The brush-tailed rabbit rat (''Conilurus penicillatus'') is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Taxonomy
The brush-tailed rabbit-rat is one of three ''Conilurus'' species that were extan ...
, ''Conilurus penicillatus''
References
*Duff, A. and A. Lawson. 2004. Mammals of the World A Checklist. New Haven, Yale University Press.
*Nowak, R. M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World, Vol. 2. Johns Hopkins University Press, London.
{{Taxonbar, from=Q738245
*
Mammal genera with one living species
Rodent genera