Lesser bandicoot rat
| Lesser bandicoot rat | |
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| Bandicota bengalensis Gray, 1835
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The lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) is a rodent. It lives in south Asia. It can grow up to 40cm long. It is a rat, but is not in the genus Rattus. They may be a pest to cereal crops, and gardens in India and Sri Lanka. When attacking the rat grunts like a pig. Their fur is dark brown on the back and usually lighter or darker grey on the belly-side (ventrally). The length of their body is about 25cm, and the tail is shorter than the body.
Location[change | change source]
Sometimes, the rats live in empty houses in villages. When they feel threatened, they are very aggressive. Many see them as a threat to infants (babies). Packs of lesser bandicoot rats have been known to attack and devour infants left alone.
Misunderstandings[change | change source]
Despite its name, the rat is not related to the bandicoot, which is a marsupial.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature says there are large numbers of lesser bandicoot rats found over a wide area. They have listed them as being of Least Concern for survival.[1]
References[change | change source]
- ↑ "Lesser Bandicoot rat". IUCN Red List 2008. Retrieved 2009-08-07.