784.

Salokko Rat

Taeromys arcuatus

French: Rat-laineux du Salokko / German: Salokko-Sulawesi-Ratte / Spanish: Rata de Salokko

Other common names: South-eastern Mountain Taeromys

Taxonomy. Rattus arcuatus Tate & Archbold, 1935,

Tanke Salokko (highest spot on the mountain), 03°35’ S/121°15’ E, 1500 m, Pegunnungan Mekongga (= Mengkoka), south-eastern Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Taeromys is sister to Paruromys, which together form a clade with Bunomys, Sundamys, Bullimus and Halmaheramys, although this was based on 7. celebensis, which 1s morphologically dissimilar to other species in the genus. There are currently at least two species undescribed in Taeromys that are closely related to 1. arcuatus: one was previously included in 7. arcuatus from central Sulawesi, and the other is from Gunung Gandangdewata in the Qureles Range, central Sulawesi. Monotypic.

Distribution. Tanke Salokko, SE peninsula of Sulawesi.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 200-212 mm, tail 200-235 mm, hindfoot 40-44 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Salokko Rat is a large species of Taeromys, with long pelage. Dorsum is dark brown, speckled with gray and with dark short guard hairs. Sides are lighter brownish gray, and white patch occurs on forehead. Venter is dark grayish brown, not sharply demarcated from dorsal pelage. Feet are white, with white hairs dorsally. Ears are similar to those of the Giant Sulawesi Rat ( Paruromys dominator). There are two pairs of inguinal mammae. Tail is 121% of headbody length and black for basalone-half and white for distal one-half. Skull is slender, with long and slender rostrum. The flea Sigmactenus alticola pilosus has been found on the Salokko Rat. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 42, FN = 60.

Habitat. [.ower and upper montane rainforests at elevations of 1500-2000 m.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. The Salokko Rat is probably nocturnal and terrestrial.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. This classification likely includes populations currently representing undescribed species from west-central Sulawesi. The Salokko Rat is only known from the type locality and is possibly affected by deforestation and general habitat loss.

Bibliography. Clayton & Kennerley (2016b), Corbet & Hill (1992), Durden & Beaucournu (2000), Fabre et al. (2013), Maryanto et al. (2009), Musser (2014), Musser & Carleton (2005), Tate & Archbold (1935a).