Greater stick-nest rat  (Leporillus conditor)

Description

This rodent is named after the conspicuous stick-nests it builds (4). At the time of European settlement two species of stick-nest rats existed in Australia; the greater (Leporillus conditor) and the lesser stick-nest rat (Leporillus apicalis). Both species suffered dramatic population losses and now only the greater stick-nest rat exists (1). The greater stick-nest rat has yellowish-brown to grey fluffy fur, which is paler below, and sits in a hunched position rather like a rabbit (2). Its tail is fairly long, with a brush of hairs at the end. The ears are large, rounded and dark, and the eyes are black and beady (2).

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