293.

Stein’s Mosaic-tailed Rat

Paramelomys steini

French: Mélomys de Stein / German: Stein-Mosaikschwanzratte / Spanish: Rata de cola moteada de Stein

Other common names: Stein's Paramelomys

Taxonomy. Melomys moncktoni steini Rummler, 1935,

Sumuri Mountain, Weyland Mountains, eastern Province of Papua, West Papua (= Irian Jaya), Papua New Guinea.

Initially described as a subspecies of “ Melomys moncktoni’, taxon steini was included into the Paramelomys subgenus by H. Rimmler in 1936. It was raised to species rank, and Paramelomys afforded full genus status, in 1996 by J. I. Menzies, who considered that it belongs to a group that includes also P. platyops and P. rubex . No genetic data are available to determine the true phylogenetic position ofthis species, which is known only from type series (six specimens). Monotypic.

Distribution. Weyland Range, W New Guinea.

Descriptive notes. Head—body 124-131 mm, tail 128 mm, ear 19 mm, hindfoot 26— 28 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. Stein’s Mosaic-tailed Ratis very similar to the Mountain Mosaic-tailed Rat ( P. rubex) in its external morphology, but has broader hindfeet. Tail is equal to or slightly shorter (99%) than head-body length. There is one hair on each tail scale.

Habitat. Montane forest between 2000 m and 2600 m.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. Stein’s Mosaic-tailed Rat is terrestrial.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List. Stein’s Mosaic-tailed Ratis known only from few specimens from type locality.

Bibliography. Flannery (1995b), Menzies (1996), Rummler (1935, 1936).