NORTHERN LUZON GIANT CLOUD RAT
Class: Mammals
Order: Rodents
Family: Muridae
Genus: Phloeomys
Species: Pallidus
Geographic distribution: Endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines
Habitat: Forests at varying elevations, from sea level to 2,200 m
Size: 70 to 77 cm
Longevity: 17 years
Weight: 1.9 g to 2.6 kg
Sexual Maturity: 1 year
Gestation: 60 to 65 days
Litter: 1 pup
Diet: Vegetarian, leaves, buds, etc.
Protection Status: IUCN Status CR – Least Concern
Description
The Northern Luzon giant cloud rat is one of the largest rat species in the world. Arboreal, it rarely comes down to the ground. Pairs often stay together. They can reproduce up to twicea year. The little ones cling to their mother and do not detach until they are 3 to 4 months old.
Threats and preservation
The Northern Luzon giant cloud rat can cause considerable damage to rice crops and is sometimes described as a pest. Although it has disappeared from certain regions due to hunting, on the whole it seems to be able to resist this pressureand remains generally common and widespread
