Pentalophomys

Pentalophomys is a genus of rodents in the family Muridae, native to the island of Madagascar. The genus was first described by the French zoologist Paul Gervais in 1855. It is characterized by its elongated body, large ears, and a long, bushy tail. Pentalophomys species are primarily nocturnal and inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and human-altered landscapes.

The genus includes two recognized species: Pentalophomys grandis and Pentalophomys ingrami. P. grandis is the larger of the two, with a body length of up to 20 centimeters and a tail length of up to 25 centimeters. P. ingrami is smaller, with a body length of up to 16 centimeters and a tail length of up to 20 centimeters. Both species have a reddish-brown fur coat, with a lighter underside.

Pentalophomys species are known to be omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials, as well as insects and small vertebrates. They are also known to be active climbers and are often found in trees. Despite their adaptability, Pentalophomys species are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as agriculture and deforestation. As a result, both species are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect their habitats and ensure the survival of these unique Malagasy rodents.