| Charada vlei rat | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Genus: | Otomys |
| Species: | O. fortior |
| Binomial name | |
| Otomys fortior | |
Charada vlei rat (Otomys fortior) is a species of rodent in the family of Muridae. It is endemic to southwestern Ethiopia. [1] [3]
Thomas (1906) initially described this species under the name Otomys typus fortior. It was then elevated to species status by Dollmann (1915). It was again re-included under O. typus (Ethiopian vlei rat) in the classification by Allen in 1939. Taylor et al. (2011) would be moved back Otomys fortior to species status, arguing that the biogeographical and ecological separation of the species from the other members of the genus in the region was sufficient. [4] [1]
It is known from less than 10 locations in Ethiopia and its population is suggested to be declining as well as its habitat, hence the assessment of the species as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN. [1]
The Old World rats and mice, part of the subfamily Murinae in the family Muridae, comprise at least 519 species. Members of this subfamily are called murines. In terms of species richness, this subfamily is larger than all mammal families except the Cricetidae and Muridae, and is larger than all mammal orders except the bats and the remainder of the rodents.
African vlei rats (Otomys), also known as groove-toothed rats, live in many areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Most species live in marshlands, grasslands, and similar habitats and feed on the vegetation of such areas, occasionally supplementing it with roots and seeds. The name "vlei" refers to the South African term for intermittent, seasonal, or perennial bodies of standing water.
The Angoni vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Dollman's vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found only in Kenya. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland and swamps. It is threatened by habitat loss. Some authorities, including the IUCN, regard it as a synonym of Otomys tropicalis.
The Southern African vlei rat is a species of rodent in the vlei rat genus, Otomys, of the family Muridae in the order Rodentia. This is the type species of the genus. It is native to the grasslands and swamps of southern Africa where it is a common species.
The laminate vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found only in South Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland and swamps.
The afroalpine vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found in the high moorlands of Kenya.
Saunder's vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found only in South Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, and subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.
Sloggett's vlei rat or ice rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found in southern Lesotho and South Africa where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, swamps, and rocky areas. Its name commemorates Col. Arthur Sloggett who served in South Africa and collected at Deelfontein in 1902. This is a common species and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated it as being of "least concern".
The Ethiopian vlei rat is a species of vlei rat in the rodent family Muridae. It is found only in Ethiopia and is considered endemic.
The bush vlei rat or Karoo bush rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found in Namibia and South Africa. Its natural habitat is temperate shrubland. The Karoo rat uses behavioral adaptations to cope with the dry arid climate. It is a medium-sized rodent with a dark pelage on top and lighter underneath. It has light colored feet and a dark tail. The rat may have light colored fur around its eyes and the back of its ears.
The Uzungwe vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland and swamps. It is threatened by habitat loss.
The Cheesman's vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is considered endemic to northwestern Ethiopia.
The Simien vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found in northern Ethiopia.
The Yalden's vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found in the Bale Mountains, in southwestern Ethiopia.
Thomas's vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is endemic to Kenya's high plateau mountains of the Rift Valley.
Mount Kilimanjaro vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found in north-eastern Tanzania, on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Heller's vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family of Muridae. It is endemic to Ethiopia and is found on the Arussi Plateau and the Bale Mountains.
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