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Big-eared Climbing Rat
Head and body length is 95 - 190 mm and tail length usually falls
between 100 - 190 mm. The body is bicolored, with a gray/brown
coloration dorsally and a white/gray coloration ventrally. Hands and
feet are pale. The tail is long, predominantly hairless, covered in
large scales, and can be anywhere from a dark, dull gray/brown to
black, with a paler coloration on the ventral surface. The eyes and
ears are large and the ears are hairless. Adults and juveniles show
two distinct pelage patterns.
Reproduction
There appears to be no specific time for breeding in Ototylomys.
Average gestation period is 52 days, although caged specimens have
shown periods of up to 174 days, due presumably to delayed
implantation. The average of 52 days is the longest known gestation
period in myomorphous rodents. This long gestation allows for highly
precocial young, and foraging of young has been observed 11 days
after their birth. Sexual maturity may be reached as early as 30
days after birth. Litter size ranges from 1 to 4.
Behavior
The species is nocturnal and arboreal. Activity is primarily on low
creepers and branches, although specimens have been observed
foraging on the ground and among rocks. It is believed that
individuals maintain a home range that also contains vertical
components. Ototylomys is not a social species and most social
interaction occurs during mating.
Food Habits
Ototylomys forages both on the ground and in trees. As it is found
primarily in tropical areas, a wide variety of food sources are
exploitable, with fruits and leaves being favored. In captivity they
should be offered a complete diet of rodent lab blocks, and rat or mouse
mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat
bread are great treats, in small quantities. Do NOT feed chocolate,
fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy
crickets and mealworms if they are captive bred, never feed wild
insects as they may carry parasites. Vitamins, like Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium
during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those
times, but take care not to overdo it. Water bottles should be used
to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes
work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire
mesh hopper that allows them to eat the lab blocks through without
extra waste.
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