Pale Field Rat - Rattus tunneyi

This rat is distinguished by long, bridled yellowish-brown fur, paler than other Australian rodents; large protuberant eyes, relatively large ears; somewhat tapering muzzle and pale feet. It inhabits well-watered tropical and sub-tropical tall grassland. By day it sleeps in a nest in a shallow burrow system with several pop-holes. At night it feeds on grass stems, seeds and roots. Breeding occurs in autumn in Queensland and somewhat later in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The female has 10 teats and usually rears four or five young who become independent around three weeks of age.

 

         (Submitted by Lauren Marlatt, from Mammals of Australia)