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Central rock rat

May 02, 2024

The central rock rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus), also known as the central thick-tailed rock-rat, Macdonnell Range rock-rat, and Australian native mouse,[3] is a critically endangered species of rodent in the family Muridae, endemic to Australia.

Central rock rat
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Zyzomys
Species:
Z. pedunculatus
Binomial name
Zyzomys pedunculatus
(Waite, 1896)
      geographic range

It was first described as Conilurus pedunculatus in 1896 by E.R. Waite.[4]

Description edit

The central rock rat is one of five rock rat species native to Australia. It is a nocturnal species that forages for food at nighttime.[5][6][7] They can range from 10.6 to 14.9 cm (4.2 to 5.9 in) long for the head and body, and around 30 cm (12 in) from head to tail.[3] They weigh between 50 and 120 g (1.8 and 4.2 oz).[8] Their fur is a light mustard above with a pale underbelly. The lightly furred tail is the most noticeable feature of the central rock rat. The tail base is thick and bulky. The thickness of the tail has been reported to be a fat storage adaptation, an effect of scarce food distribution.[9][10] Rock rats are known to lose their tails, fur and skin very easily and are, therefore, known to be difficult to handle.[8] As for their birthrate, captive animals have bred and have had litters of various sizes, ranging from one to four young.[6]

Distribution and habitat edit

The rats have been found in rocky outcrops and on mountainsides with loose stones, as well as hilly grasslands and low open shrubland or woodland.[1] Historically, the central rock rat is only known to be found in a 77 km (48 mi) stretch of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory. The species has previously been recorded from living animals or cave deposits in Northern Territory at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Illamurta (James Range), Haasts Bluff (West MacDonnell Ranges), Mount Liebig, Napperby Station, Devils Marbles, The Granites (Tanami Desert), and the Davenport Range National Park.[11] It is known from cave deposits in the Cape Range National Park.[1]

Believed extinction edit

The species was believed to be extinct in both 1990 and 1994 due to population decline.[1] In 2001 individuals were trapped from fourteen locations, but in 2002 drought and wildfire struck the area and the species was not recorded after that. It has been classed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.[1][11][12] In 2013 they were also discovered by motion-sensor cameras on the Haasts Bluff Aboriginal Land Trust, west of Alice Springs.[13]

Ecology edit

The central rock rat is a largely granivorous, having a preference for seeds from grasses of the genus Triodia. These grasses become abundant after long periods of no fires, explaining why populations of this species are steady even in areas that have no recently experienced fires. The diet of the central rock rat consists of four major food groups that can be found across all seasons. Seed makes up 72% of the species' food intake. The rest of its diet consists of plant leaves (21%), plant stems (3%), and insects (4%).[14] They can be found near rocky habitats for burrow sites and local seed availability. This helps to explain why the central rock rat is found in such low numbers, since they rely on constant food supply and a steady and supportive habitat. This makes the central rock rat difficult to find in the Central Australian range.[14][15] They play an essential role in seed dispersal as well as food resource for other animals in the wild.[16] The species likely has a pattern of recovery and expansion during wet periods,[1] probably due to increased food supply.

Conservation edit

Threats edit

Habitat degradation is an obstacle to central rock rat conservation. Fires limit the available habitat, and the spread of buffelgrass kills off native grasses that the central rock rat feeds on and helps contribute to the spread of fire. They face predators such as dingos, and grazing from feral herbivores hurts their food supply.[1] Despite all this, the species is believed to be making strides, which is supported by the sightings near the Haasts Bluff Aboriginal land trust west of Alice Springs, in Australia. The rat's predators can also give insight on how the species is recovering. The excrement of feral cats near the location site often includes the fur and bone skeletons of the central rock rat.[17]

Until the 1996 capture, the central rock-rat had not been seen since 1960. Between 1970 and 1995, there were no recorded sightings of the species and it was declared that this species was indeed extinct. It was not until it was rediscovered in 1996 in the MacDonnell Ranges that this was proven to be incorrect.[18] On 3 September 1996, members of the Conservation Volunteers Australia trapped an animal which was later identified from photographs as the central rock rat. Since that time sub-populations have been found at 15 other sites over a small area of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The full range of the current distribution of the species is unknown.[8]

Legislation and plans edit

The central rock rat has a national recovery plan through the Australian Government , its overall objective being to stabilise the species and prevent population decreases. Specific objectives include: clarifying distribution, population size, and habitat; to create and employ management strategies of the sub-populations; maintaining captive populations; investigating the biology of captive individuals; and to increase awareness in the community. Recovery actions include establishing the sizes of sub-populations and monitoring changes in them, creating a fire strategy for known population locations, and capturing animals to add to the captive breeding program. The recovery plan also has a provision for habitat protection which would help other native species such as the common brushtail possum and the black-flanked rock-wallaby.[8]

Beginning in 1996, after the re-discovery of the central rock rat, a captive breeding program was set up at Alice Springs Desert Park and at the Perth Zoo. After initially introducing 14 individuals from the wild, the first generation bred successfully but the subsequent one had significant trouble, eventually leading to the death of the last male in 2011.[19]

The National Recovery Plan for the central rock rat in 2017 suggested to attempt another breeding program during a natural irruption phase of the wild population, for example after the heavy rainfall in the winter of 2016, so as to limit the effects on the wild numbers of the species.[20] A limited number of central rock rats from Alice Springs Desert Park have been used for haematology study to promote easy health assessment tools for central rock rats.[21]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Woinarski, J.; Burbidge, A.A. (2016). "Zyzomys pedunculatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T23324A22456932. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T23324A22456932.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  3. ^ a b Central Rock Rat October 18, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. earthsendangered.com
  4. ^ Waite, E.R. (1896). "Muridae". Report on the work of the Horn Scientific Expedition to Central Australia. 2: 393–409. Wikidata Q123487903.
  5. ^ . Archived from the original on 17 September 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  6. ^ a b Central Rock Rat. Animal Info
  7. ^ . ruralheli.com.au
  8. ^ a b c d Cole, Jeff (2000) National recovery plan for the Central Rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus). Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory, Environment Australia
  9. ^ Gaikhorst, G.; Lambert, C. (2009). "Breeding and maintenance of the Central rock-rat Zyzomys pedunculatus at Perth Zoo". International Zoo Yearbook. 43: 212–221. doi:10.1111/j.1748-1090.2008.00075.x.
  10. ^ Gaikhorst, G.; C. Lambert (24 December 2008). "Breeding and maintenance of the Central rock-rat Zyzomys pedunculatus at Perth Zoo". International Zoo Yearbook. 43: 212–221. doi:10.1111/j.1748-1090.2008.00075.x.
  11. ^ a b McDonald, P. J.; Pavey, C. R.; Knights, K.; Grantham, D.; Ward, S. J.; Nano, C. E. M. (2013). "Extant population of the Critically Endangered central rock-rat Zyzomys pedunculatus located in the Northern territory, Australia". Oryx. 47 (2): 303. doi:10.1017/S0030605313000136.
  12. ^ Kissel, Anthea (11 June 2010). "Scientist discover rock rat in central Australia". ABC Radio Australia News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 11 June 2010.
  13. ^ . NineNews. Ninemsn. 6 September 2013. Archived from the original on 9 September 2013. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  14. ^ a b Nano, Theresa J.; Smith, Cate M.; Jefferys, Elizabeth (2003). "Investigation into the diet of the central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)". Wildlife Research. 30 (5): 513–518. doi:10.1071/wr01084.
  15. ^ Nano, T. J.; Smith, C. M.; Jefferys, E. (2003). "Investigation into the diet of the central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)". Wildlife Research. 30 (5): 513. doi:10.1071/WR01084.
  16. ^ Old, J. M.; Connelly, L.; Francis, J.; Branch, K.; Fry, G.; Deane, E. M. (2005). "Haematology and serum biochemistry of three Australian desert murids: The Plains rat (Pseudomys australis), the Spinifex hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis) and the Central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)". Comparative Clinical Pathology. 14 (3): 130. doi:10.1007/s00580-005-0586-y.
  17. ^ "Rock Rat discovered in central Australia". Australian Associated Press. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  18. ^ Fry, Gary. Central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus) 2013-10-29 at the Wayback Machine. arkive.org
  19. ^ McDonald, P; Ward, S; Nano, C; Pavey, C; Nano, T; Nunn, Peter (2017). "National Recovery Plan for the Central Rock-rat Zyzomys pedunculatus; APPENDIX 2: SUMMARY AND REVIEW OF THE CAPTIVE BREEDING PROGRAM 1996-2011". Northern Territory Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources. Alice Springs, Northern Territory. p. 49. Retrieved 3 April 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ McDonald, P; Ward, S; Nano, C; Pavey, C; Nano, T; Nunn, P (2017). "National Recovery Plan for the Central Rock-rat Zyzomys pedunculatus; 2.7 Captive breeding". Northern Territory Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources. Alice Springs, Northern Territory. p. 17. Retrieved 3 April 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ Old, J. M.; Connelly, L.; Francis, J.; Branch, K.; Fry, G.; Deane, E. M. (December 2005). "Haematology and serum biochemistry of three Australian desert murids: the Plains rat (Pseudomys australis), the Spinifex hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis) and the Central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)". Comparative Clinical Pathology. 14 (3): 130–137. doi:10.1007/s00580-005-0586-y. ISSN 1618-5641.

External links edit

  • Woinarski, J.; Burbidge, A.A. (2016). "Zyzomys pedunculatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T23324A22456932. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T23324A22456932.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  • Musser, G.G.; Carleton, M.D. (2005). "Superfamily Muroidea". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 894–1531. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.

May 02, 2024
central, rock, central, rock, zyzomys, pedunculatus, also, known, central, thick, tailed, rock, macdonnell, range, rock, australian, native, mouse, critically, endangered, species, rodent, family, muridae, endemic, australia, conservation, status, critically, . The central rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus also known as the central thick tailed rock rat Macdonnell Range rock rat and Australian native mouse 3 is a critically endangered species of rodent in the family Muridae endemic to Australia Central rock rat Conservation status Critically Endangered IUCN 3 1 1 CITES Appendix II CITES 2 Scientific classification Domain Eukaryota Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Rodentia Family Muridae Genus Zyzomys Species Z pedunculatus Binomial name Zyzomys pedunculatus Waite 1896 geographic range It was first described as Conilurus pedunculatus in 1896 by E R Waite 4 Contents 1 Description 2 Distribution and habitat 3 Believed extinction 4 Ecology 5 Conservation 5 1 Threats 5 2 Legislation and plans 6 References 7 External linksDescription editThe central rock rat is one of five rock rat species native to Australia It is a nocturnal species that forages for food at nighttime 5 6 7 They can range from 10 6 to 14 9 cm 4 2 to 5 9 in long for the head and body and around 30 cm 12 in from head to tail 3 They weigh between 50 and 120 g 1 8 and 4 2 oz 8 Their fur is a light mustard above with a pale underbelly The lightly furred tail is the most noticeable feature of the central rock rat The tail base is thick and bulky The thickness of the tail has been reported to be a fat storage adaptation an effect of scarce food distribution 9 10 Rock rats are known to lose their tails fur and skin very easily and are therefore known to be difficult to handle 8 As for their birthrate captive animals have bred and have had litters of various sizes ranging from one to four young 6 Distribution and habitat editThe rats have been found in rocky outcrops and on mountainsides with loose stones as well as hilly grasslands and low open shrubland or woodland 1 Historically the central rock rat is only known to be found in a 77 km 48 mi stretch of the West MacDonnell Ranges Northern Territory The species has previously been recorded from living animals or cave deposits in Northern Territory at Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Illamurta James Range Haasts Bluff West MacDonnell Ranges Mount Liebig Napperby Station Devils Marbles The Granites Tanami Desert and the Davenport Range National Park 11 It is known from cave deposits in the Cape Range National Park 1 Believed extinction editThe species was believed to be extinct in both 1990 and 1994 due to population decline 1 In 2001 individuals were trapped from fourteen locations but in 2002 drought and wildfire struck the area and the species was not recorded after that It has been classed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List 1 11 12 In 2013 they were also discovered by motion sensor cameras on the Haasts Bluff Aboriginal Land Trust west of Alice Springs 13 Ecology editThe central rock rat is a largely granivorous having a preference for seeds from grasses of the genus Triodia These grasses become abundant after long periods of no fires explaining why populations of this species are steady even in areas that have no recently experienced fires The diet of the central rock rat consists of four major food groups that can be found across all seasons Seed makes up 72 of the species food intake The rest of its diet consists of plant leaves 21 plant stems 3 and insects 4 14 They can be found near rocky habitats for burrow sites and local seed availability This helps to explain why the central rock rat is found in such low numbers since they rely on constant food supply and a steady and supportive habitat This makes the central rock rat difficult to find in the Central Australian range 14 15 They play an essential role in seed dispersal as well as food resource for other animals in the wild 16 The species likely has a pattern of recovery and expansion during wet periods 1 probably due to increased food supply Conservation editThreats edit Habitat degradation is an obstacle to central rock rat conservation Fires limit the available habitat and the spread of buffelgrass kills off native grasses that the central rock rat feeds on and helps contribute to the spread of fire They face predators such as dingos and grazing from feral herbivores hurts their food supply 1 Despite all this the species is believed to be making strides which is supported by the sightings near the Haasts Bluff Aboriginal land trust west of Alice Springs in Australia The rat s predators can also give insight on how the species is recovering The excrement of feral cats near the location site often includes the fur and bone skeletons of the central rock rat 17 Until the 1996 capture the central rock rat had not been seen since 1960 Between 1970 and 1995 there were no recorded sightings of the species and it was declared that this species was indeed extinct It was not until it was rediscovered in 1996 in the MacDonnell Ranges that this was proven to be incorrect 18 On 3 September 1996 members of the Conservation Volunteers Australia trapped an animal which was later identified from photographs as the central rock rat Since that time sub populations have been found at 15 other sites over a small area of the West MacDonnell Ranges The full range of the current distribution of the species is unknown 8 Legislation and plans edit The central rock rat has a national recovery plan through the Australian Government its overall objective being to stabilise the species and prevent population decreases Specific objectives include clarifying distribution population size and habitat to create and employ management strategies of the sub populations maintaining captive populations investigating the biology of captive individuals and to increase awareness in the community Recovery actions include establishing the sizes of sub populations and monitoring changes in them creating a fire strategy for known population locations and capturing animals to add to the captive breeding program The recovery plan also has a provision for habitat protection which would help other native species such as the common brushtail possum and the black flanked rock wallaby 8 Beginning in 1996 after the re discovery of the central rock rat a captive breeding program was set up at Alice Springs Desert Park and at the Perth Zoo After initially introducing 14 individuals from the wild the first generation bred successfully but the subsequent one had significant trouble eventually leading to the death of the last male in 2011 19 The National Recovery Plan for the central rock rat in 2017 suggested to attempt another breeding program during a natural irruption phase of the wild population for example after the heavy rainfall in the winter of 2016 so as to limit the effects on the wild numbers of the species 20 A limited number of central rock rats from Alice Springs Desert Park have been used for haematology study to promote easy health assessment tools for central rock rats 21 References edit a b c d e f g Woinarski J Burbidge A A 2016 Zyzomys pedunculatus IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 e T23324A22456932 doi 10 2305 IUCN UK 2016 1 RLTS T23324A22456932 en Retrieved 11 November 2021 Appendices CITES cites org Retrieved 14 January 2022 a b Central Rock Rat Archived October 18 2014 at the Wayback Machine earthsendangered com Waite E R 1896 Muridae Report on the work of the Horn Scientific Expedition to Central Australia 2 393 409 Wikidata Q123487903 Central Rock Rat Archived from the original on 17 September 2013 Retrieved 23 October 2013 a b Central Rock Rat Animal Info Central Rock Rat ruralheli com au a b c d Cole Jeff 2000 National recovery plan for the Central Rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory Environment Australia Gaikhorst G Lambert C 2009 Breeding and maintenance of the Central rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus at Perth Zoo International Zoo Yearbook 43 212 221 doi 10 1111 j 1748 1090 2008 00075 x Gaikhorst G C Lambert 24 December 2008 Breeding and maintenance of the Central rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus at Perth Zoo International Zoo Yearbook 43 212 221 doi 10 1111 j 1748 1090 2008 00075 x a b McDonald P J Pavey C R Knights K Grantham D Ward S J Nano C E M 2013 Extant population of the Critically Endangered central rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus located in the Northern territory Australia Oryx 47 2 303 doi 10 1017 S0030605313000136 Kissel Anthea 11 June 2010 Scientist discover rock rat in central Australia ABC Radio Australia News Australian Broadcasting Corporation Retrieved 11 June 2010 Rock rat not so extinct after all NineNews Ninemsn 6 September 2013 Archived from the original on 9 September 2013 Retrieved 6 September 2013 a b Nano Theresa J Smith Cate M Jefferys Elizabeth 2003 Investigation into the diet of the central rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus Wildlife Research 30 5 513 518 doi 10 1071 wr01084 Nano T J Smith C M Jefferys E 2003 Investigation into the diet of the central rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus Wildlife Research 30 5 513 doi 10 1071 WR01084 Old J M Connelly L Francis J Branch K Fry G Deane E M 2005 Haematology and serum biochemistry of three Australian desert murids The Plains rat Pseudomys australis the Spinifex hopping mouse Notomys alexis and the Central rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus Comparative Clinical Pathology 14 3 130 doi 10 1007 s00580 005 0586 y Rock Rat discovered in central Australia Australian Associated Press Retrieved 23 October 2013 Fry Gary Central rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus Archived 2013 10 29 at the Wayback Machine arkive org McDonald P Ward S Nano C Pavey C Nano T Nunn Peter 2017 National Recovery Plan for the Central Rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus APPENDIX 2 SUMMARY AND REVIEW OF THE CAPTIVE BREEDING PROGRAM 1996 2011 Northern Territory Dept of Environment and Natural Resources Alice Springs Northern Territory p 49 Retrieved 3 April 2018 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint numeric names authors list link McDonald P Ward S Nano C Pavey C Nano T Nunn P 2017 National Recovery Plan for the Central Rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus 2 7 Captive breeding Northern Territory Dept of Environment and Natural Resources Alice Springs Northern Territory p 17 Retrieved 3 April 2018 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint numeric names authors list link Old J M Connelly L Francis J Branch K Fry G Deane E M December 2005 Haematology and serum biochemistry of three Australian desert murids the Plains rat Pseudomys australis the Spinifex hopping mouse Notomys alexis and the Central rock rat Zyzomys pedunculatus Comparative Clinical Pathology 14 3 130 137 doi 10 1007 s00580 005 0586 y ISSN 1618 5641 External links editWoinarski J Burbidge A A 2016 Zyzomys pedunculatus IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 e T23324A22456932 doi 10 2305 IUCN UK 2016 1 RLTS T23324A22456932 en Retrieved 11 November 2021 Musser G G Carleton M D 2005 Superfamily Muroidea In Wilson D E Reeder D M eds Mammal Species of the World A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference 3rd ed Johns Hopkins University Press pp 894 1531 ISBN 978 0 8018 8221 0 OCLC 62265494 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Central rock rat amp oldid 1217763520, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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