744.

Sumatran Mountain Spiny Rat

Maxomys hylomyoides

French: Maxomys du Korinchi / German: Sumatra-Rajah-Ratte / Spanish: Rata espinosa de montana de Sumatra

Other common names: Sumatran Mountain Maxomys, Sumatran Mountain Rat, Sumatran Spiny Rat

Taxonomy. Epimys hylomyoides H. C. Robinson & Kloss, 1916,

“Sungei Kring, Korinchi Peak, 7,300’ [= 2225 m], West Sumatra,”

Indonesia.

In arecent genetic study, M. hylomy-

oides formed a clade with M. whaitehead:, M. musschenbroekii, a specimen allocated to M. tajuddinii, and a possible undescribed form from Borneo. There were two wellsupported clades in a recent genetic study that might represent distinct subspecies or species, which requires additional research. Monotypic.

Distribution. C part of W mountain range of Sumatra.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 114-132 mm, tail 98-132 mm, ear 17-19 mm, hindfoot 28-31 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Sumatran Mountain Spiny Rat is small, with short, soft, and dense pelage and soft spines. Dorsum is dark brownish, with gray underfur. Venter is dark orangish brown. Feet are long and narrow. Ears are rounded; vibrissae are long and dark. Tail is ¢.100% of head-body length and bicolored, brownish above and white below. Skull has long and wide rostrum. There are four pairs of mammae: one pectoral, one post-axillary, one abdominal, and one inguinal.

Habitat. Primary upper montane or moss forest at elevations of 600-2225 m.The Sumatran Mountain Spiny Rat might occur in subalpine or shrubland vegetation.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. No information.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List. The Sumatran Mountain Spiny Rat has a relatively small distribution but faces no major known threats. It occurs in Kerinci Seblat National Park. Additional research is needed to fully understand its natural history, taxonomy, and threats.

Bibliography. Achmadi (2017), Achmadi et al. (2013), Clayton (20161), Medway (1964b), Musser (1979), Musser & Carleton (2005), Musseret al. (1979), Steppan & Schenk (2017).