480.

West African Rufous-nosed Rat

Oenomys ornatus

French: Oenomys du Ghana / German: \WVestafrika-Rotnasenratte / Spanish: Rata de hocico rojo de Africa occidental

Other common names: Ghana Rufous-nosed Rat, West African Oenomys, West African Rufous-toothed Rat

Taxonomy. Oenomys ornatus Thomas, 1911,

Bibianaha, near Dunkwa, Ghana. This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Upper Guinea Forest of W Africa W of Dahomey Gap, extending from Sierra Leone Eto Ghana.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 130- 157 mm, tail 175-200 mm, ear 12-18 mm, hindfoot 30-35 mm; weight 80-103 g. The West African Rufous-nosed Rat is a medium-sized to large,slender rodent with very

long tail and rufous-colored cheeks and nose. Fur is greenish gray to greenish brown above and on flanks, contrasting with bright pale rufous on rump and thighs, and pure white (slightly rufous-tinged) below. Nose and cheeks are bright rufous. Ears are large, rounded, with rufous tuft on inner front margin and rufous-red coloron back and sides (clearer in juveniles). Feet pale. Tail is very long (c.132% of head-body length), scaly, sparsely haired, and bicolored, dark above and yellowish below. Females usually have 1+2 = 3 pairs of nipples. Karyotype 2n = 46.

Habitat. Associated with dense undergrowth and grasses in clearings, forest edges, and cultivated areas.

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 Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. May cause damage in ricefields.

Bibliography. Grubb et al. (1998), Happold (2013a), Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958), Monadjem et al. (2015), Rosevear (1969), Tranier & Gautun (1979).