Oryzomys antillarum, commonly known as the Jamaican rice rat, was an extinct rodent species native to Jamaica. Belonging to the genus Oryzomys within the family Cricetidae, this species exhibited similarities to O. couesi of mainland Central America, suggesting a potential dispersal from the mainland to Jamaica.
Description
Oryzomys antillarum was a medium-sized rodent, comparable in size to O. couesi. It featured reddish upperparts, with a slightly brighter hue on its underparts. The species possessed distinctive physical traits, such as its size and coloration, setting it apart from other rodent species.
Appearance
The Jamaican rice rat was characterized by its reddish upperparts and slightly brighter underparts. Its medium size and unique coloration distinguished it from other rodent species, contributing to its individuality within the genus Oryzomys.
Distribution
Oryzomys antillarum was endemic to Jamaica, with its presence restricted to this Caribbean island. The species’ distribution was limited to Jamaica, and no other regions or countries were known to harbor populations of this distinctive rodent. Unfortunately, the Jamaican rice rat is now recognized as an extinct species.
Habitat Preferences
The Jamaican rice rat inhabited specific ecosystems within Jamaica, likely favoring habitats that provided suitable resources for its survival. These environments may have included diverse ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas, where the species could find food, shelter, and breeding sites.
Facts About Oryzomys antillarum
- Oryzomys antillarum, also known as the Jamaican rice rat, is an extinct rodent species native to Jamaica.
- The head and body length of Oryzomys antillarum was approximately 120 to 132 mm (4.7 to 5.2 in).
- This species is a member of the genus Oryzomys within the family Cricetidae.
- Oryzomys antillarum went extinct within the last 500 years.
- It was a medium-sized rat, similar in most respects to Oryzomys couesi.
- Oryzomys antillarum was native to Jamaica.
- This species is classified as a semiaquatic rodent.
- The exact cause of the extinction of Oryzomys antillarum is not definitively known.
- Oryzomys antillarum was first described by O. Thomas in 1898.
- The Jamaican rice rat had a weight of around 40-80 grams.