Identification:
This is a small rodent species. Body length: 115 – 135 mm; Tail length: 105 – 130 mm; Hind foot length: 26 – 30 mm; Ear height: 10 – 18 mm; Weight: 35 – 55g; Skull length: 34 mm; Zygomatic width: 15 – 17 mm.
The species has a round tail, covered by short and uniform fur. The fur color is black-brown on the back, transitioning to a buff color on the belly, with a dark stripe running from the nose, through the eyes, and down to the ears. The ears are very large.
Juveniles are entirely dark brown.
Biology and Ecology:
This species is diurnal, foraging during the day, and prefers to inhabit low shrubs and bushes.
Their primary diet consists of insects found within their distribution range. They particularly enjoy eating beetles, and are occasionally observed consuming ripe fruit. They are a shy species and difficult to observe in their natural habitat.
They construct nests in burrows and cavities at the base of trees. They reproduce once a year, with litters of 3-4 offspring.
Distribution:
Vietnam: Found throughout forested areas, near streams, and in secondary forests following cultivation, in provinces from North to South, at low to medium altitudes.
Global: Nepal, Sikkim, Thailand, Indonesia.