Daniel's Tufted-Tailed Rat
Encyclopedia
Daniel's Tufted-Tailed Rat (Eliurus danieli) is a species of rodent
in the Nesomyidae
family. It was discovered in 2003 in the Parc National de l’Isalo
in south-central Madagascar
. It is named for Daniel Rakotondravony, professor of animal biology at the University of Antananarivo
, Madagascar.
Daniel's tufted-tailed rat first became known in 1995, when a specimen was found to belong to the majori-penicillatus complex. Molecular data suggested that Eliurus majori
was a close relative; study of two more animals found in 2002 indicated that it is a different species.
with convoluted epididymis
. It has a notably rounded braincase, certainly in comparison with E. antsingy.
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....
in the Nesomyidae
Nesomyidae
Nesomyidae is a family of African rodents in the large and complex superfamily Muroidea. It includes several subfamilies, all of which are native to either continental Africa or to Madagascar...
family. It was discovered in 2003 in the Parc National de l’Isalo
Isalo National Park
Isalo National Park is a National Park in the Ihorombe Region of Madagascar. The park is known for its wide variety of terrain, including sandstone formations, deep canyons, palm-lined oases, and grassland. The closest town is Ranohira, and the closest city is Toliara. A local guide is required...
in south-central Madagascar
Madagascar
The Republic of Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa...
. It is named for Daniel Rakotondravony, professor of animal biology at the University of Antananarivo
University of Antananarivo
University of Antananarivo is the primary public university of Madagascar, located in the capital Antananarivo.The school traces its founding to 16 December 1955 and the formation of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Antananarivo. It quickly established itself as the main center for higher...
, Madagascar.
Daniel's tufted-tailed rat first became known in 1995, when a specimen was found to belong to the majori-penicillatus complex. Molecular data suggested that Eliurus majori
Major's Tufted-Tailed Rat
Major's Tufted-tailed Rat is a species of rodent in the Nesomyidae family.It is found only in Madagascar.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests....
was a close relative; study of two more animals found in 2002 indicated that it is a different species.
Description
A male specimen found in December 2002 was found to have scrotal testesTesticle
The testicle is the male gonad in animals. Like the ovaries to which they are homologous, testes are components of both the reproductive system and the endocrine system...
with convoluted epididymis
Epididymis
The epididymis is part of the male reproductive system and is present in all male amniotes. It is a narrow, tightly-coiled tube connecting the efferent ducts from the rear of each testicle to its vas deferens. A similar, but probably non-homologous, structure is found in cartilaginous...
. It has a notably rounded braincase, certainly in comparison with E. antsingy.