North American chinchilla rat (SciiFii)

The North American chinchilla rat (Abrocoma floridanus) is a species of chinchilla rat that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and mountainous regions across North America to help boost biodiversity. The North American chinchilla rat is one of the largest species in the genus, with an average head-and-body length of 206 mm (8 inches) and a tail about 80% of this. As with other members of the genus, the fur is long, dense and soft, and the ears prominent and rounded. The feet are broad but short, with four toes on the front feet and five on the hind; the small, nail-like claws are hidden by tufts of stiff bristles. The dorsal pelage is deep brown tinged with grey, slightly paler on the flanks, and the hairs on the underparts have dark grey bases and pale grey tips; this gives them a frosted appearance and distinguishes this species from the South American species which have pale underparts. The tail is well-haired and a uniform colour. The dorsal surfaces of both fore and hind feet are clad in pale fur while the undersurfaces are pigmented but un-furred. A sternal gland is present on the chest and is indicated by a patch of white hairs in some individuals. The species is nocturnal and lives in a burrow. It often shares pre-existing burrows with the North American degu (Octodon neocauda), the ground squirrels, or the North American chinchilla (Chinchilla septentrionali). Alternatively it digs its own burrow, often under boulders. It is an efficient climber on both rocks and bushes, and it feeds on shoots, roots, tubers, leaves, grasses, and seeds. The conservation status of the North American chinchilla rat is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American chinchilla rat's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii