416.

Neumann's Grass Rat

Arvicanthis neumanni

French: Rat-roussard de Neumann / German: Neumann-Grasratte / Spanish: Rata de hierba de Neumann

Other common names: Neumann's Arvicanthis, Somali Grass Rat

Taxonomy. Arvicanthis neumanni Matschie, 1894,

Barungi, Kondoa District, Tanzania.

Arvicanthis neumanni includes form somalicus from Ethiopia and Somalia, which may be a distinct species. As neumanni is easily confused with A. niloticus and A. nmairobae in East Africa, species limits are unclear and diagnosis is best based on chromosomal complement: for neumanni, 2n = 62, FN = 66-67 in Ethiopia, and 2n = 53-54, FN = 62 in Tanzania.

Monotypic.

Distribution. Low-lying savannas in E Africa from N Ethiopia and N Somalia S to C Tanzania.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 115-160 mm, tail 88-118 mm, ear 14-18 mm, hindfoot 24-27 mm; weight 48-72 g. A medium-sized rat, Neumann's Grass Rat has brownish-black dorsal fur speckled with cream, yellow, or gray streaks, and grayish ventral color. Ears are medium-sized, rounded, and brownish or reddish. Tail is relatively long (c.95% of head-body length). Limbs are relatively short, and foreand hindfeet reddish or yellowish above, with four digits on forefoot and five on hindfoot.

Habitat. Dry Somali-Masai bushlands and savanna with sparse ground cover, from 400 m to 1500 m.

Food and Feeding. Neumann's Grass Rat is presumably herbivorous, like other Arvicanthis, and may feed on Solanum (Solanaceae) berries.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. Neumann's Grass Rats are semi-diurnal and terrestrial.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Neumann's Grass Rat is probably gregarious, making intricate burrows under Acacia trees.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List.

Bibliography. Happold (2013a), Monadjem et al. (2015), Yalden et al. (1976).