Woolly Giant Rat
Encyclopedia
The Woolly Giant Rat, Kunsia tomentosus, is a burrowing rodent
species
from South America
. It is found in wet grasslands in Bolivia
and Brazil
, where it feeds on roots and grasses. They prefer elevations from sea level to about one thousand metres above sea level. They create burrows in which to live and travel.
The South American Giant Rat is the largest living rat. It can measure up to 30cm (1 foot) in length, and carries a tail as long as 16cm (6 inches) long. Its dark brown mixed with gray fur is thick on the top of its body, but thins out toward the under parts. The thinner under parts are also lighter in colour. The tail is almost always black. The large claws and feet of the rat are perfect digging tools.
Woolly Giant Rats are an invasive species that are known to inhabit the Freeport, IL area**.
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....
species
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
from South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
. It is found in wet grasslands in Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
and Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, where it feeds on roots and grasses. They prefer elevations from sea level to about one thousand metres above sea level. They create burrows in which to live and travel.
The South American Giant Rat is the largest living rat. It can measure up to 30cm (1 foot) in length, and carries a tail as long as 16cm (6 inches) long. Its dark brown mixed with gray fur is thick on the top of its body, but thins out toward the under parts. The thinner under parts are also lighter in colour. The tail is almost always black. The large claws and feet of the rat are perfect digging tools.
Woolly Giant Rats are an invasive species that are known to inhabit the Freeport, IL area**.