Malagasy Giant Rat, Malagasy Giant Jumping Rat, Votsota

IUCN ENDANGERED (EN)

 

Facts about this animal

With a head-body length of 30-35 cm and a tail of 21-25 cm, the "votsotsa" is by far the largest rodent of Madagascar. The ears are large, the legs are elongated and rabbit-like. The colour of its harsh fur is greyish-brown on the upper side, and white on the limbs and belly. The tail is dark brown.

 

The Malagasy giant rat is strictly nocturnal. It occupies an ecological niche comparable to that of the rabbit in other parts of the world. Like rabbits, giant jumping rats live in burrows. These typically consist of a complex of tunnels, each around 45 cm in diameter, up to 5 meters long and one meter underground. A family unit, consisting of a monogamous pair and offspring, generally lives in a burrow and maintains a territory covering 3-4 hectares - although this expands in the dry seasons when food is scarce.

 

Malagasy giant rats usually give birth to one single young.

 

 

How this animal should be transported

For air transport, Container Note 81 of the IATA Live Animals Regulations should be followed.

 

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Photo Copyright by
Tom Junek