This large rat is found in lowland evergreen forest primary and second growth. Also occurs in deciduous forest, where it favors riparian corridors and low-lying areas. This species is tolerant to some degree of habitat destruction (e.g., partial deforestation and habitat fragmentation).

Nocturnal, mainly terrestrial and solitary. It travels along fallen logs or old walls but does not climb trees. At night it is often seen sitting quietly near buttress roots or logs. It walks slowly and sometimes freezes in a spotlight. This rat may use burrows during the day but often occupies shallow depressions under roosts and hollow logs, or in dense vegetation. The diet consists mainly of fruit and seeds, with lesser amounts of plant material, insects, and fungi. Palm nuts and other large seeds are carried to a sheltered spot to be eaten. Females give birth to 1 to 5 precocious young and may breed 4 times a year (Reid 1997).

Red List Category

Red List Criteria

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Justification

History

• 1996
  Lower Risk/least concern

This species is common, often abundant (Reid 1997).

Stable

Deforestation is a threat in some parts of its range, although this species is thought to be tolerant to a degree of habitat destruction or alteration (M. Gómez-Laverde pers. comm.).

This species occurs in several protected areas. No conservation measures are needed for this species.