Zyzomys woodwardi

368.

Kimberley Rock Rat

Zyzomys woodwardi

French: Zyzomys de Woodward / German: Kimberley-Dickschwanzratte / Spanish: Rata de roca de Kimberley

Other common names: Kimberly Rock Rat, Large Rock Rat

Taxonomy. Laomys woodwardi Thomas, 1909,

“Parry’s Creek, near Wyndham, E. Kim- berly, N.W. Australia. Alt. 100’ [= 30 m].”

Zyzomys woodwardi was previously considered to encompass populations in the Kimberley region and Northern Territory, but latter population was recognized as specifically distinct (as Z. main) by D. J. Kitchener in 1989. Monotypic.

Distribution. Restricted to N Kimberley region of NW Australia, including at least twelve islands.

Descriptive notes. Head—body 120-166 mm, tail 110-130 mm, ear 21-22 mm, hindfoot 25-31 mm; weight 80-190 g. The Kimberley Rock Rat is the largest Zyzomys species. It is a thickset rat: its most distinctive features are large prominent eyes, long vibrissae, and a tail that is often markedly thickened (with stored fat) at base and with longer hairs around tail tip. Tail length is typically shorter than head-body length. Part or all of the tail is often missing (presumably shed as a response to attempted predation). Body fur is flecked brown above, and pale on belly.

Habitat. Occurs only in rugged rocky areas, including boulder-strewn gorges, scree slopes and escarpments. Preferred habitat is rainforest (including deciduous vine thickets), but it occurs also in shrublands and eucalypt woodlands.

Food and Feeding. Diet includes a range of seeds, fruits, and other vegetable matter.

Breeding. Reproduction occurs year-round, but reproductive activity probably reduces in late dry season (October-November). Littersize is usually two.

Activity patterns. The Kimberley Rock Rat is terrestrial and nocturnal, sheltering during day in cracks and crevices among boulders and scree.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Kimberley Rock Rats are generally sedentary. Abundance reported to decline toward end of wet season (April), possibly because of relative resource scarcity at that time.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Not listed as threatened under Australian legislation. Its preferred rainforest habitat may be being degraded by frequent and extensive fire and by feral stock.

Bibliography. Abbott & Burbidge (1995), Bradley et al. (1987), Friend et al. (1991), Gibson & McKenzie (2012), Kitchener (1989), Kitchener et al. (1981), McKenzie et al. (1978), Van Dyck & Strahan (2008), Watts & Aslin (1981).