Black-footed Tree-rat (north Queensland)
Mesembriomys gouldii rattoides
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 26/06/2015
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 19/07/2015
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: Shaggy Rabbit-rat
Priority Species? No
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Black-footed Tree-rat (north Queensland) is a nocturnal medium-sized native mammal and one of the largest rodents in Australia. It is a solid rodent with long shaggy medium grey to black fur and has been recording mainly from eucalypt forests and woodland, but not rainforests. The species is known to den mostly in tree hollows with their direct comprising of mostly fruits and seeds.
Threats
The main threats to the Black-footed Tree-rat (north Queensland) are inappropriate fire regimes, predation by feral cats and habitat loss and fragmentation.
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database