Northern Luzon giant cloud rat  (Phloeomys pallidus)

This forest-dwelling rodent is a timid animal (4), with a coat of long, somewhat rough, fur (2) (3) (5). The colour of its fur is highly variable, although most have a striking combination of predominantly white to pale grey fur, with dark brown or black markings on the face and body (6) (7). Pure white specimens are also known, and brown and grey-black forms have also been reported, although whether these are the same species needs to be confirmed (6). Captive specimens may be reddish, possibly due to their diet (7). The northern Luzon giant cloud rat has small ears, long, sensitive whiskers growing from around a blunt muzzle (2) (5), and a densely furred tail (6). Its large hindfeet and long claws hint at its excellent tree-climbing abilities (5).

As its name suggests, this rodent is endemic the island of Luzon in the Philippines, where it is found in the northern and central provinces (6).

The Northern Luzon giant cloud rat inhabits lowland tropical rainforest and montane rainforest, from sea level up to the high mountains, to at least 2,200 metres (3) (5) (6).

This nocturnal rat is primarily a tree-dwelling animal that spends most of its time high up in the branches of trees, but can also be seen on the forest floor, moving at a relatively sluggish pace (2) (5). The diet of this cloud rat in the wild is not fully known (5), but may comprise mainly of tender young leaves (2) (4), although they also eat fruit and reportedly raids crops (7).

Information regarding the breeding biology of Phloeomys species also comes from captivity, where births have been recorded in every month of the year except January, March and May (5). In the wild, a pregnant female was found in August. Cloud rats give birth to only one young each year (5), which is born in the hollow of a standing or fallen tree, or in a hole in the ground (6). The mother carries her young firmly attached to a nipple. In captivity, one individual lived for over 13 years (5).

While this species is widespread and reported to be locally abundant (3) (5), the stability of populations of this cloud rat is threatened by the destruction of forests and hunting (4). Vast swathes of forest in the Philippines have been subject to commercial logging and clearing fro agriculture (8), and this species, along with other cloud rats of the Philippines, is intensively hunted by local people for food (5).

This species is legally protected from hunting, except by indigenous people using traditional methods. Giant cloud rats occur in several national parks and other protected areas (3).

For further information on conservation in the Philippines see:

• Haribon Foundation:
  www.haribon.org.ph

Authenticated (28/08/08) by Dr Lawrence Heaney, Curator and Head of the Division of Mammals, The Field Museum, Chicago.