Fun Simalur Facts For Kids

The Simalur archipelago rat is a rodent species about which the world is still oblivious. It is native to the Indonesian island of Simalur.

The forests of the adjoining Babi, Lasia, and Siumat islands also host the species. The species was believed to be related to the black rat (Rattus rattus).

It was considered a subspecies of the black rats but the species was attributed a separate identity due to some differences. The Simalur rat is larger-bodied, perhaps related to the Malaysian wood rat (Rattus tiomanicus).

Inspections regarding the relations and origin of the species are in progress. According to the latest morphometric analyses, the species might be closely related to the Miller's Nicobar rat (Rattus burrus), sunburned rat (Rattus adustus), or even Mentawai rat (Rattus lugens).

However, the rodent species is currently in a precarious position due to its diminishing numbers. Factors like habitat loss due to the clearing of forest covers and the introduction of invasive species have been deemed the major threats that can potentially erase the existence of Simalur rats.

If you want to know some more details about the endangered rodent species then continue the read. Also, check out these fascinating facts about the field vole and Philippine forest rat.

Simalur Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Simalur?

The Simalur rat belonging to the Rodentia order is a species of rat, also classified as a rodent.

What class of animal does a Simalur belong to?

Since the Simalur archipelago rat is a mammal, it has been grouped under the Mammalia class.

How many Simalurs are there in the world?

No data is available about this endangered rat species. However, a decreasing population trend has been noted.

Where does a Simalur live?

The Simalur archipelago rat can be found on the Indonesian island of Simalur. The rodent species can also be spotted on the Babi, Lasia, and Siumat islands.

What is a Simalur's habitat?

The habitat range of this rodent species encompasses forests and edges of forests. The Simalur rat is suited to tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests.

Who do Simalurs live with?

The social behavior of the Simalur archipelago rat remains shrouded in mystery as it's very challenging to see these endangered rats outside forests. However, it's very natural for rats to dwell in packs.

How long does a Simalur live?

Normally, a rat has a short lifespan. It can survive up to five years at the most. The accurate life expectancy of the Simalur rat is unknown but it can be estimated that it falls within the five-year bracket like all rat species.

How do they reproduce?

Although specific reproduction details about this species require detailed research, it can be inferred that the reproduction process is just like any other mammal. Usually, rats mature at 6-12 weeks after which they actively engage in copulation, producing around six litters annually.

What is their conservation status?

As per the computations of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Simalur archipelago rat qualifies to the thresholds of vulnerability owing to its dramatically declining population. The species has been grouped under the Endangered category.

Simalur Fun Facts

What do Simalurs look like?

No physical description of the rat species is available at the present moment but in general, rats are small furry animals with long, pointed noses. They have four legs and they often use the hind legs for standing upright. The size, tail length, and body color depend on the species.

How cute are they?

What do you do when you see a rat brushing past your legs? Do you feel like picking it up and smothering it with kisses or do you let out a loud shriek in horror?

Very few individuals find rats cute. No doubt they have a small size and plump, furry bodies but their shabby red-brown appearance and mischievousness can make them pretty annoying.

How do they communicate?

In general, rats interact with each other in numerous ways. They can communicate with the help of vocalizations as well as pheromones.

Some sounds are produced in very high frequencies that are inaudible to humans. Squeaks and chirps are common vocalizations but these creatures can even sing! They also use urine to mark their area or territory and also to attract mates for breeding.

How big is a Simalur?

Since very little interaction has been possible with the species, the world is still ignorant about the Simalur rat's size.

How fast can a Simalur run?

It can be deduced that a Simalur rat, like most other rats, is extremely agile and swift in its motions. Although slower than the squirrels that have a maximum speed of 15 mph (24.14 kph), a rat can attain a speed of 8 mph (12.9 kph).

How much does a Simalur weigh?

Accurate data about the size or weight of the rodent is lacking due to which the average weight of the Simalur archipelago rat cannot be stated.

What are the male and female names of the species?

Male rats are commonly referred to as bucks while their female counterparts are called does.

What would you call a baby Simalur?

A baby Simalur rat can be called a kitten or pup. At birth, these pups have pink furless skin due to which they're sometimes called pinkies.

What do they eat?

Like all other omnivorous rats, a Simalur rat diet comprises raw meat, vegetables, and fruits. However, specific dietary details are unavailable.

Are they dangerous?

Rats can be dangerous, especially when there's an infestation of rats in the house. Several diseases such as pneumonic plague, leptospirosis, tularemia, and salmonella are transmitted by rats. Moreover, they're considered to be pests. Although it's almost impossible to see the Simalur archipelago rat around human settlements, the species cannot be marked off as entirely safe.

Would they make a good pet?

Generally, rats and mice are not reared as pets as these mammals can prove to be quite a nuisance. However, the behavior of the rodent species as a pet is not known as it is not maintained as a pet.

Did you know...

Here are some enlightening Simalur rat facts.

Several rat species are globally threatened. For instance, the woodrat is almost near to extinction.

The Simalur rat is vulnerable to the loss of habitat due to the clearing of forests and conversion of islands mainly for agriculture and the tourist industry. The species is also threatened by invasive species such as the black rats and Polynesian rats. Proper measures must be taken to revive this endangered species to prevent it from extinction.

Is the Simalur rat endemic?

As the name of the rodent suggests, the Simalur rat species is endemic to the Indonesian island of Simalur. The rodent population is restricted within the island of Simalur and some adjoining islands.

Comparisons with other rats

Specific details about the appearance or origin of the Simalur rats are missing. The rat species can only be spotted on Indonesia's islands, particularly in Simalur.

On the other hand, members of the Rattus genus, the Mentawai rat can solely be found on the Mentawai Islands while the black rat population is distributed throughout the world. Miller's Nicobar rat inhabits the Great Nicobar, Trinket, and Little Nicobar islands. The kangaroo rat can be found in North America.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals from our Havana rabbit and giant flying squirrel facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable rat outline coloring pages.

We've been unable to source an image of a Simalur and have used an image of a brown rat instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of a Simalur, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.