About
Very little is known about the Elvira rat as no reports had been made until two small populations were found recently.
Also known as the large rock rat the Elvira rat occurs in an area of less than 100km² and its area of occupancy is likely to be less than 10km² will all individuals living in a single location.
There is no population information for this species but it is predicted to be very small as during surveying only 12 adults were recorded in 4 months of surveying.
This species is listed in Schedule V of the Indian Wildlife (protection) Act (considered to be vermin), and is not found in any protected areas. The main threat to this species is a decline in habitat due to the expansion of human settlements, mining in the foothills. Uncontrolled grazing in the area might also be contributing to habitat decline.
There are currently no conservation actions in place but there is ongoing research in understanding the range, and ecology. Further surveys and research is required.
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Muridae
- Population: Very low
- Trend: decreasing
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species is known only from its type locality (the place it was originally found) in of Kurumbapatti, Salem District, in the Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu.
Habitat and Ecology
This species is a nocturnal and fossorial (burrowing), living in tropical dry deciduous scrub forest where it has been seen in rocky cliffs and areas.
