The Madagascar Giant Jumping Rat, Hypogeomys antimena, is classified as ‘ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. As their name suggests, they are adapted for jumping and can jump up almost a metre into the air as an evasive tactic to avoid predators. Through widespread loss of its dry forest habitat, the Giant Jumping Rat has declined dramatically and is now only found in a 300 km² patch of forest on the west coast of the island.
The main current threat to this species is further loss and degradation of its habitat through logging, clearance for agriculture and subsistence use of forest products. It is also thought to be susceptible to predation by dogs which are used by local hunters in the forest to catch other animals.
The Menabe Antimena protected area, encompassing the entire current range of the Giant Jumping Rat, was recently designated by the Government of Madagascar providing hope that its remaining habitat can be protected. However, effective forest management and population monitoring are still needed to ensure the species is safeguarded.
Geographic Range of the Madagascar Giant Jumping Rat
Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
To learn more about the Madagascar Giant Jumping Rat, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species by clicking their logo below.
