Moonrat

The moonrat (Echinosorex gymnura) is a species of mammal in the family Erinaceidae. It is the only animal in its genus of Echinosorex. The moonrat is a omnivorous mammal with a preference for carnivorous meals. 
== Distribution ==
The native range of the moonrat is the forested and bushy areas of the western half of Pasia, in the countries of Mecirhan, Kafaniyat, and Avishaman, up into southernmost Kosna in southeastern Parania. They have been introduced into multiple countries and areas across the world and have been introduced into Kutwhe as pets and novelties, later on, they or their offspring, escaped from captivity or were intentionally released, their range has also been spreading in Kosna and has reached the grand city of Sharikba where they were first introduced in Rakbhe Park for biodiversity, Kosna has a high and healthy population of moonrats and they are commonly mistaken for Virginia opossums (Dedelphis virginiana), another introduced animal in the region, due to their similarities in appearance. They have also been introduced to the swampy environment east of the Lalibon Mountains and have naturally added southernmost Minuka to their range. 
== Ecology ==
The moonrats are nocturnal, terrestrial creatures that spend the daytime in abandoned burrows, logs, or roots in wooded areas. They frequently go into the water and live in wet, marshy forests. In Mecirhan, Kafaniyat, and Avishaman, moonrats rarely enter cities and are only occasionally seen near the suburban edges that border the countryside. However, in Kutwhe and Kosna, moonrats are frequently seen in Sharikba and East Kutwhe City, where they are often considered a nuisance because they frequently use locals' gardens as a refuge to sleep in during the day (especially ones with a lot of foliage). They come in range with Virginia opossums (Dedelphis virgiana) and short-tailed gymnures (Hylomys suillus) and the three are often mistaken for one another. In their native range in Pasia and Kosna, they are eaten by culpeos, foxes, and bears, while in Kutwhe, they are eaten by jaguarundis, bush dogs, feral dogs, feral cats, falanoucs, and ring-tailed mongooses.
Category:Animals
Category:Fauna of Parania
Category:Fauna of Pasia
Category:Fauna of Kutwhe