| Size |
About the size of a rabbit, with a body length of 12-14" and a tail length of 8-9". |
| Weight |
GJRs weigh 2.5 to 3 lbs with captive animals sometimes reaching 3.3 lbs. |
| Conservation Status |
On the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Madagascar giant jumping rat is listed as Endangered. |
| Diet |
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| Geographic Range |
They are found only in a small area of fragmented forest on the west coast of Madagascar. |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
Small Mammal House and Rare Animal Conservation Center |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
Madagascar giant jumping rats have large ears and a long sparsely furred tail. They have thick fur that is usually brownish gray on the upper parts and cream color on the underside and feet. They resemble small kangaroos because their rear feet are large in comparison to the front - an adaptation for jumping. This is the largest rodent found on the island of Madagascar.
Longevity
Little is known about their average lifespan in the wild, but in captivity they have been known to live as long as 12 years - although this is uncommon.
Behavior
Since they are small, secretive and rare, very little is known about their natural history. They are strictly nocturnal and live in complex burrows in an exclusive territory. They communicate with a wide array of sounds including trills and barks.
Reproduction
GJRs live in stable family group consisting of a monogamous pair, their current offspring, and offspring from the previous year who help raise the new litter. Unlike many other rodents, they have small litters - usually only 1 or 2. The offspring are weaned at approximately 4 weeks of age, but they often stay with their parents for two years.
There are three groups of Madagascar jumping rats at the Zoo.
The first family consists of Vlad and Mena, and their children living in the Rare Animal Conservation Center:
Vlad: Male, born October 23, 2003 at the London Zoo. He arrived here on May 10, 2006.
Mena: Female, born January 23, 2004 at Tropical World in the United Kingdom. She arrived here on December 15, 2004.
Claudia: Female, born July 14, 2008.
Alice: Female, born February 3, 2009.
Rosalie and Esme: Female twins, born March 12, 2009.
Edward: Male, born July 18, 2009.
Unnamed baby born on August 22, 2009.
The second group consists of Scrat and Malorie in the nocturnal wing of the Small Mammal House:
Scrat: Male, born August 16, 2004 at Flamingo Land Zoo in the United Kingdom. He arrived here on May 10, 2006.
Malorie: Female, born September 14, 2003 at the Marwell Zoological Park in the United Kingdom. She arrived here on December 15, 2004.
The third group consists of Louie and Monti in the diurnal wing of the Small Mammal House.
Louie: Male, born July 14, 2008 to Vlad and Mena.
Monti: Female, born September 7, 2008 to Scrat and Malorie. The first hand reared Madagascar giant jumping rat in the world.
Enrichment
Adoption Information
Featured Foster Parent