Crateromys schadenbergi
Luzon bushy-tailed cloud rat

Luzon bushy-tailed cloud rats (Crateromys schadenbergi) are found only in Benguet, Ifugao, and Mountain provinces of Northern Luzan Island, Philippines. They appear to be common on some high mountains and plateaus. (Heaney, 2002; Nowak, 1999)

Crateromys schadenbergi lives in pine and mossy forests on Luzon Island in the Philippines at elevations between 2000 and 2500 meters. (Heaney, 2002)

Thees animals look a bit like long, bushy-tailed guinea pigs. The body is long, with a slim muzzle, and small eyes and ears. Each of the hands and feet have five digits. The thumb has a flattened nail, while the remaining fingers and toes have strong, but slender claws with a bit of hair at the base of each claw. The head and body length ranges from 325 to 394 mm and the length of the tail ranges from 355 up to 475 mm. The pelage coloration ranges from dark brown to black on the upper body, dark gray on the sides, and lighter gray on the lower body. However, some individuals have white or brownish fur on the anterior of the body, or the underparts are completely white. The fur is very dense, with thick underfur and wavy to straight guard hairs. The tail is long and bushy. (Nowak, 1999)

There is little information on reproductive mating systems in bushy-tailed cloud rats.

The information on reproduction in C. schadenbergi is scarce. A single young is reported to have been produced in October, but the general pattern of reporoduction has not been reported. (Nowak, 1999)

Based on general characteristics of the Muridae family, this species may have the following: duplex uterus and a baculum. (Martin, et al., 2001)

There is little information on parental care in C. schadenbergi. Because the animals are mammals, we can infer that the mother produces milk and nurses the young. She probably grooms them and protects them as well. The period of juvenile dependence has not been reported for this species.

There is little information available on the life span of C. schadenbergi, although it was noted that one animal lived in captivity for four years and three months. (Nowak, 1999)

Crateromys schadenbergi is arboreal and is the most active after sunset. It sleeps during the day in tree cavities or holes around the roots of trees. (Nowak, 1999)

The home range of C. schadenbergi has not been reported.

Luzon bushy-tailed cloud rats have a strange shrill cry that sometimes sounds like insects and may be a form of communication. As mammals, it is likely that they use some visual communication, such as body postures, to communicate. Most mammals have some chemical communication, where scents indicate reproductive status, or help to identify individuals. Tactile communication is also likely to be present, especially between mates, parents and offspring, and between individuals during agonistic encounters. (Nowak, 1999)

Crateromys schadenbergi is primarily an herbivore. It feeds on the buds and bark of pine (Pinus) trees, or fruits on trees. (Nowak, 1999)

There is little information available on anti-predator adaptations of C. schadenbergi. It is only known that they have been hunted by native peoples on Northern Luzan Island in the Philippines. Apparently, their fur has some value. (Heaney, 2002; Nowak, 1999)

There was little information on the ecosytem role of bushy tailed cloud rats. However, as herbivores, they may help to disperse seeds in the forests they live in. (Heaney, 2002; Nowak, 1999)

Natives of Northern Luzan Island have hunted bushy-tailed cloud rats and sold their wool-like pelts. Some have also been kept as pets, although their temperment in captivity has not been commented on in the literature. (Nowak, 1999)

This species is not known to have adverse effects on humans.

Crateromys schadenbergi is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Vulnerable". It is not listed under CITES. The species is extremely vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation on Northern Luzan Island. Because they endemic only to this island, the loss of habitat is a serious concern. (Heaney, 2002; "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species", 2002)