New Species Discovered : Giant African Rats

Giant African Rats

Researchers claim to have discovered a new species of giant rat or giant stature. Reported by Softpedia on Wednesday (05/01/2013), as reported in the journal Zootaxa, that a new species of giant rat was found in mainland Africa. Based on the researchers report, this rodent mammals found in the area of ​​Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola.

Mongabay website report explains, wildlife researchers began to realize the existence of this large mole since 2002. However, in more than one decade ago this mouse looks much smaller than other types of mice.

The experts then believe that this is a new species of rat soil testing through several tests. This species is known by the scientific community as Fukomys vandewoestijneae. The new species is identified with a different skull shape with moles in general.

Wikipedia explains, moles or moles are the majority members of the mammalian family Talpidae with Soricomorpha order. Rat has a cylindrical body and covered by feathers.

Moles eat invertebrates which live underground. Mole's primary food is earthworms. This type of rat saliva contains a toxin that can reportedly paralyze earthworms.

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