What is tenerife giant rat?

The Tenerife giant rat, also known as the Tenerife cave rat or Canarian giant rat, is a species of rodent that is endemic to the Canary Islands. It is related to the black rat and has an average length of 30-35 cm, including the tail. Its fur is generally brown or black.

The Tenerife giant rat gets its name from its size, which is larger than most other rats, particularly in its hind legs. It is a nocturnal animal that feeds on fruits, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates. It is also known to burrow underground and climb trees.

The Tenerife giant rat is threatened by habitat destruction, competition with introduced rats and predators like cats and owls. It has been classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts focused on protecting its habitat and controlling invasive species. Although the Tenerife giant rat is still considered to be threatened, its populations have shown some signs of recovery in recent years.