Giant bushy-tailed cloud rat  (Crateromys schadenbergi)

Classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List (1).

The giant bushy-tailed cloud rat is one of the most spectacular rodents in Asia (4), with an elongated body; long, bushy tail; and a coat of soft, thick underfur, with long wavy or straight overfur on the upperparts (2) (5), which gives this rat a fluffy appearance (4). The colour of the fur is variable, but is usually dark brown to black on the upperparts, dark greyish on the sides, and iron grey underneath, although some individuals may be whitish on the back and have white underparts (2) (5). The tail, which is longer than the length of the head and body (4), has scant woolly underfur, but is covered with long hairs, and the eyes and ears of this cloud rat are small (5). The hands and feet each have five digits, with the thumb bearing a flattened nail while the other digits have powerful, slender claws. The giant bushy-tailed cloud rat has a strange, shrill cry that has been described as similar to that of some insects (5).

The giant bushy-tailed cloud rat occurs only in the high mountains of central northern Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines (2) (6).

This tree-dwelling rodent inhabits mossy cloud forests and forest of pine and oak (7), where it is most common at elevations of 2,200 metres and above (3).

During the daylight hours, the giant bushy-tailed cloud rat sleeps in trees, either in a cavity in the trunk or in a hole amongst the tree’s roots (2). As the sun sets, the cloud rat becomes active, feeding on the buds and bark of trees, and on fruits (2) (5). Occasionally, the giant bushy-tailed cloud rat will forage on the ground as well as in trees (8).

Giant bushy-tailed cloud rats construct their nests in trees, building a bulky structure with cut branches among the top branches of an oak or pine tree. A cosy chamber is created by lining the nest with a thick layer of pine needles, mosses and ferns (2).

The giant bushy-tailed cloud rat is actively hunted by the local people of central northern Luzon, who value its meat and use its beautiful, wool-like fur to make items (2) (5). Some giant bushy-tailed cloud rats have also been captured to be kept as pets. The deterioration and loss of forest habitat may also be threatening this species (5), as commercial agriculture, population growth and poverty in the Philippines forces people to clear forest for cultivation at increasingly high altitudes (9).

The giant bushy-tailed cloud rat occurs in several national parks in northern Luzon (8), including Mount Pulag National Park (3). Hunting of this species is not permitted under Philippine law, except by indigenous people using traditional methods (8).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

For further information on conservation in the Philippines see:

• Haribon Foundation:
  www.haribon.org.ph