Greater Stick-Nest Rat, known as The Leporillus conditor in the scientific terminology, are found in the mainland of Africa.  They are multicolored; mixture of yellow brown, and grey marked with white on their hind feet. Their tail can grow about 18 cm in length; it is usually brown and grey.  Their body size ranges from 17 to 26 cm long and they weight between 180 and 480 grams.  Although they are mainly found in the mainland of Africa, they can also be found in dry places like the Savannas.

       

The Greater-stick Nest Rat has many predators, including feral cats, red foxes, owls, and eagles. In Savannas and mainland they make their nest high enough to hide themselves from predators.  Owls and eagles can reach these tiny creatures in their nest. The color of their body helps them hide in their surroundings, protecting them from the predators. . The population of the Greater Stick-Nest rat is about 4,000. The Leporillus conditor or the Greater Stick-Nest rat population is shrinking because they have too many predators; food is not a problem for them because they eat anything they find. Because of too many predators, the greater Stick-Nest Rat has become endangered species.

 

The Leporillus conditor or the Greater Stick-Nest rat is an omnivore; they eat leaves, fruit, native grass seeds, large acacia seeds and anything else it finds including meat.  These rats don’t have a specific time for eating; they eat whenever they feel like, and bury the rest of their meal to consume later. Food is not a problem for these rats.

 

These tiny creatures can easily be mistaken for mouse.  But their big eyes, blunt snout and hunched postures distinguish them from other rats.  Another way to identify these rats is by looking at the white marking on their hind feet.

 

Author: Jawaria Q
Published: 02/2012

Sources:

http://www.arkive.org/greater-stick-nest-rat/leporillus-conditor/#text=Status

 “Greater Stick- Nest Rat.”  Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. JB Publishing, n.d. Web. 12 Feb.         2011 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Stick-Nest_Rat

Menkhorst, P., and F. Knight.  “Greater Stick- nest Rat. “ Australian Animals. N.P., 8 Aug 2004.  Web. 30 Jan. 2011. http://www.australianfauna.com/greatersticknestrat.php   

“Nature Fact Sheets – Greater Stick-Nest Rat.  “SHARK BAY Home page.  WA Museum Fauna Base, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2011 http://www.sharkbay.org/Greaterstick-nestratfactsheet.aspx

Strahan, R., and K.A .Lee.  “Greater Stick-Nest Rat.” Scribed. N.p., n.d. Web.12 Feb.2011. http://www.scribd.com/doc/37209832/Greater-Stick-Nest-Rat