Giant Root Rat
Tachyoryctes macrocephalus
- Endangered
- Card rarity: Epic
- Mammals
The giant root-rat, also known as the Ethiopian African mole rat, is a species of rodent in the genus Tachyoryctes. The species is endemic to Ethiopia's Bale Mountains, and its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, where the population can reach densities of up to 2,600 individuals per square kilometre. The giant root-rat has thick fur and large teeth, and creates large networks of tunnels whilst foraging for food before making holes to the surface to feed on nearby vegetation. There are many species that prey on Tachyoryctes macrocephalus, especially the Ethiopian wolf, and it is threatened by habitat loss.
Classification
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Rodentia
- Family
- Spalacidae
- Genus
- Tachyoryctes