Malagasy Giant Rat
Malagasy Giant Rat is endemic to Madagascar. It occurs in the west of the island in an area that does not exceed 200 square kilometers. The population suffered from rapid decline in 1990s. The current trend is unknown. Main threats include any activities in the remaining habitat including slash and burn agriculture, logging, hunting as well as predation by feral dogs and cats.
Conservation
■ Listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 1996.
■ Captive population data are recorded in International Malagasy Giant Rat Studbook.
Taxonomy
■ Phylum Chordata – chordates
■ Class Mammalia – mammals
■ Order Rodentia – rodents
■ Family Nesomyidae – African and Malagasy endemic rats and mice
■ Species Hypogeomys antimena – Malagasy Giant Rat, or Votsovotsa
Our supporters and partners
