Shorkoodia

Shorkoodia is a genus of small to medium-sized rodents in the family Platacanthomyidae. The name "Shorkoodia" is derived from the Persian word for langur, a type of long-tailed Old World monkey, as these rodents are known for their large, bushy tails and long limbs, reminiscent of the langur.

Shorkoodia rodents are native to the forests of South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, and bark. Their diet often includes formic acid, a chemical found in plant sap, which they secrete through the scent glands on their underside, allowing them to detect the presence of formic acid in their food.

There are two known species within the Shorkoodia genus: Shorkoodia muscorum and Shorkoodia grisea. These species are named based on their distinct fur colors and lengths. S. muscorum has grayish-brown fur and a typically shorter tail, whereas S. grisea is characterized by its long, grayish-brown fur and uniformly brown underside.

Shorkoodia rodents have adaptations similar to those of tree-dwelling wallabies, that allow them to effectively traverse vertical trunks in pursuit of food and mates. Researchers have observed that female Shorkoodias elevate their pregnancies into clear swaths in trees to raise their offspring themselves, avoiding companionries with male personalities outside their nurturing routine.

Research on Shorkoodias is ongoing, and additional knowledge about these rodents is expected in the coming years.