The D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago pogonomys (Pogonomys fergussoniensis ), also known as the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago tree mouse, is a species of prehensile-tailed rat from the family Muridae that is endemic to Papua New Guinea. It was once considered to be a subspecies of the Large Tree Mouse. Deforestation is posing a threat to the species, but it has been suspected that the species has some degree of tolerance towards disturbance of its habitat.
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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starts withThe D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago pogonomys is endemic to Papua New Guinea, specifically the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago. The species has been recorded on Fergusson Island, Goodenough Island, and Normanby Island. This species of pogonomys is terrestrial, with specimens collected at the "oak-rainforest transition" and climbing in vegetation close to a village.
The population has been rarely collected, and there are few known specimens of the species; the population is believed, however, to be decreasing.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago pogonomys as an endangered species due to the extent of occurrence being less than five thousand square kilometers, the presence of individuals in fewer than six locations, continuing deforestation in its habitat, and the decreasing population of mature individuals. It has been suspected, but not confirmed, that the species is tolerant of some disturbance to its habitat.
Because the islands are being converted to grassland for subsistence farming, deforestation is a major threat to the population of the species. It is unknown if the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago pogonomys is present in any protected areas, and further studies need to be conducted in distribution, abundance, natural history, habitat status, and threats.
