742.

Small Bornean Spiny Rat

Maxomys baeodon

French: Petit Maxomys / German: Kleine Rajah-Ratte / Spanish: Rata espinosa de Borneo pequena

Other common names: Small Bornean Maxomys, Small Spiny Rat

Taxonomy. Mus baeodon Thomas, 1894,

“Mount Kina Balu,” northern Borneo, Malaysia.

Phylogenetic affinities of M. baeodon are uncertain, although it is probably most closely related to other endemic Bornean Maxomys . Monotypic.

Distribution. N Borneo.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 126- 140 mm, tail 119-133 mm, ear 17-19 mm, hindfoot 25-28 mm; weight 53-67 g. The Small Bornean Spiny Ratis small, with short and harsh pelage and spines mixed dorsally and ventrally. Dorsum is dark brown, with dark reddish hue, and lighter and browner on sides. Venteris grayish white, with gray underfur and not sharply demarcated from dorsum. Feet are pale, long, and narrow. Ears are pinkish and somewhat pointed; vibrissae are long and dark. Tail is ¢.95% of head-body length. Skull is small, with simple teeth. There are four pairs of mammae: one pectoral, one post-axillary, one abdominal, and one inguinal.

Habitat. Primary rainforest at elevations of 900-1400 m. The Small Bornean Spiny Rat probably prefers areas with many tall trees.

Food and Feeding. The Small Bornean Spiny Rat eats seeds.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. The Small Bornean Spiny Rat is probably nocturnal and terrestrial.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List. The Small Bornean Spiny Rat is relatively rare, with small and patchy distribution. It occurs in Mount Kinabalu National Park and Danum Valley Conservation Area. Deforestation is prevalent throughout its distribution and probably a threat. Additional research is needed to fully understand its natural history, taxonomy, and threats.

Bibliography. Achmadi (2017), Achmadi et al. (2013), Corbet & Hill (1992), Gerrie & Kennerley (2017a), Musser & Carleton (2005), Musser et al. (1979), Phillipps & Phillipps (2016), Steppan & Schenk (2017), Wells, Corlett et al. (2009), Wells, Pfeiffer et al. (2004).