American jumping rat

The **American jumping rat** (*Perameloromys americanum*), also known as the **North American bandicoot** and the **North American bilby**, is a species of dipodomyine heteromyid rodent, most closely related to the kangaroo rats (*Dipodomys*), that originally did not exist but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts across North America to help boost biodiversity. American jumping rats have an appearance somewhat similar to rabbits, though maintaining many rat-like features especially in the face. Males and females both grow to roughly rabbit-size, around 1.2 kilograms (2.6 lbs) and 33 cm (13 inches), though with an additional 20–25 centimeters (8–10 inches) of dark tail. In general appearance, they are almost identical to the Malagasy giant rats (*Hypogeomys antimena*) of the island of Madagascar, probably to simulate convergent evolution. They have a coarse coat which varies from gray to brown to reddish, darkening around the head and fading to white on the belly. They also have prominent, pointed ears and long, muscular back legs, used for jumping to avoid predators. They can leap almost 3 feet (91 centimeters) in the air. Largely nocturnal, the American jumping rats live in burrows up to 5 meters (16 ft) across with as many as six entrances which, even those in regular use, are kept blocked by dirt and leaves to discourage predation by the North American boa constrictors (*Boa americanus*), bobcats, and many other native North American predators. When foraging, the American jumping rats move on all fours, searching the ground for fallen fruits, nuts, seeds, and leaves. They have also been known to strip bark from trees and dig for roots and invertebrates. Pairs are highly territorial and the male and female will both defend their territory from other American jumping rats. They mark their territory with urine, feces, and scent gland secretions. The male American jumping rat reaches sexual maturity within 8 months, but will not mate until reaching 9 months of age. The female American jumping rat reaches sexual maturity in 11 months. These rats are some of the few rodent species to practice sexual monogamy. Once mated, a pair will stay together until one of them dies. On the death of a mate, females tend to remain in the burrow until a new male is found. While males usually wait for a new mate as well, they do occasionally move to live with a widowed female. Females give birth to 10 litters yearly after a gestation of 27–36 days (number observed in captivity) during the mating season. The young are raised by both parents, remaining in the family burrow for the first 4–6 weeks, then increasingly exploring and foraging outside. Young males stay with the family unit for 3-4 months before becoming mature and leaving to find their own burrow. Females do not mature for 4-5 months and remain with their parents for the extra year. Males are extremely protective of their young. They are known to increase their own predation risk to follow or defend their offspring. The conservation status of the American jumping rat is **Least Concern** due to successful conservation efforts, the American jumping rat's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.