Identification:
The bamboo rat ( Rhizomys pruinosus ) weighs 0.5-0.8 kg, with a body length of 256-350 mm and a tail length of 100-124 mm. It has a stout, cylindrical body, a cone-shaped head, and a short neck. The legs are short, with large feet possessing five toes. The toes have large claws, and two rear toes are fused. The coat is coarse, with a mottled greyish-white coloration. The ears are small, and the eyes are also small.
Biology and Ecology:
Bamboo rats inhabit low hills and gentle slopes with abundant bamboo and other plants. They live in family groups of 3 to 5 individuals within self-excavated burrows, rarely venturing outside. The burrows are extensive, with numerous tunnels. All activities take place underground. Bamboo rats feed on roots of plants belonging to the Poaceae family (grasses) and some species of the Araliaceae family. Reproduction occurs from March to August, with 2 or 3 litters per year, each containing 2-4 offspring. Young rats can reproduce after 4 months of age.
Distribution:
The bamboo rat is found in Assam, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In Vietnam, this species of the Rhizomydae family is distributed throughout provinces with forests.
Conservation Status:
The bamboo rat population remains relatively high. However, they can cause considerable damage to forestry activities. One bamboo rat can kill up to 2,000 bamboo or related grass plants (Poaceae family) in a year. Bamboo rat meat is edible. Nevertheless, a management plan is needed to prevent overhunting in the wild.