Golden-Backed Tree-Rat
Mesembriomys macrurus
Family Muridae
Critically Endangered — WA: Near-Threatened, NT: Critically Endangered
About
The golden-backed tree rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae, found only in Australia.
How to spot it
Golden-backed tree rats are named for their broad stripe of golden-coloured fur that runs from the top of its head to the base of their tail, of which has a white brush tip. They are nocturnal and arboreal. During day, they sleep in their nests made in hollow trees, dense foliage or among rocks. They range in size from 18 to 34 cm with a 29 to 36 cm tail, and weigh 200-330 grams. Golden-backed tree rats are thought to breed throughout the year, with a gestation period of 48 days and litter size
Documented on these trails
Found in
- Berry Springs Nature Park — The Top End — Kakadu, Litchfield & Darwin, NT hikes