Bosavi Woolly Rat
Encyclopedia
The Bosavi Woolly Rat is a species of rodent
that was discovered deep in the jungle of Papua New Guinea
in 2009. 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.
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 1000 metres (3,280.8 ft) above sea level.
The 82 centimetres (32.3 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.
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
that was discovered deep in the jungle of Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea , officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands...
in 2009. It is believed to belong to the genus Mallomys
Mallomys
Mallomys is a genus of rodent in the family Muridae. The name of the genus derives from the Greek μαλλός, mallós, wool, and μῦς, mȳs, mouse/rat. These very large rats weigh between and are native to highlands in New Guinea...
, within the family Muridae
Muridae
Muridae is the largest family of mammals. It contains over 600 species found naturally throughout Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. They have been introduced worldwide. The group includes true mice and rats, gerbils, and relatives....
, 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.
The species was discovered during the filming of Lost Land of the Volcano
Lost Land of the Volcano
Lost Land of the Volcano is a three-part nature documentary series produced by the BBC Natural History Unit which follows a scientific expedition to the island of New Guinea...
, a BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
wildlife documentary, in the extinct volcanic crater of Mount Bosavi
Mount Bosavi
Mount Bosavi is a mountain in the Southern Highlands province, Papua New Guinea. It is the collapsed cone of an extinct volcano on the Great Papuan Plateau, part of the Kikori River basin. The crater is approximately 4 km wide and 1 km deep; it is home to a number of unique species.Part...
, over 1000 metres (3,280.8 ft) above sea level.
The 82 centimetres (32.3 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.