The Bosavi woolly rat is an undescribed putative species of rodent that was discovered deep in the jungle of Papua New Guinea in 2009.[1] It is believed to belong to the genus Mallomys, within the family Muridae, according to initial investigation, although this has yet to be published. The name Bosavi woolly rat is still provisional and a scientific name has yet to be given.[2]
| Bosavi woolly rat | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Genus: | Mallomys (?) |
| Species: | M.? sp.
|
| Binomial name | |
| Mallomys? sp. | |
The species was discovered during the filming of Lost Land of the Volcano, a BBC wildlife documentary, in the extinct volcanic crater of Mount Bosavi, over 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above sea level.
The 82 centimetres (32 in) long rat weighs around 1.5 kilograms (3.3 lb) and has a silver-brown coat of long, thick fur. A captured specimen showed no fear of humans.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "New giant rat species discovered". CNN. 7 September 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2009.
- ^ a b Walker, Matt (6 September 2009). "Giant rat found in 'lost volcano'". BBC. Retrieved 10 September 2009.
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