Eliurus minor
lesser tufted-tailed rat

Small tuft-tailed rats, Eliurus minor, range primarily along the east side of the island of Madagascar. (Goodman and Benstead, 2003)

Eliurus minor resides in a wide elevational distribution within Madagascar's moist evergreen forests. Specifically, these animals are found from Montagne d'Ambre in the north to the southern termini of the Anosyennes and Vohimena Mountains. There have been specimens collected from near sea level to 1875 m. (Garbutt, 1999; Goodman and Benstead, 2003)

Eliurus minor is the smallest member of the genus. It ranges from about 106.7 mm to 118.9 mm, not including the tail. Its weight ranges from 29.3 g to 40.9 g. The tail accounts for about 60% of the total length, measuring around 130.0 mm. The tail is usually dark-brown or blackish in color. Tuft-tailed rats have a soft, dense coat with moderately long hairs. The dorsal pelage is greyish-brown to cinnamon-brown with dark guard hairs, and the ventral pelage is a distinctly lighter color. (Garbutt, 1999; Goodman and Benstead, 2003; Nowak, 1997)

Little is know about the mating systems in this species. (Goodman and Benstead, 2003)

The litter size of E. minor ranges from 2 to 4. The breeding season of this species occurs in the last quarter or the year (October to December). There has been some evidence of increased levels of reproduction at higher elevations in populations of Eliurus, and this may occur in E. minor. Little is known about the gestation period or breeding interval of this species. Similarly, the times of weaning and sexual maturity are not known. (Goodman and Benstead, 2003)

Parental investment has not been documented for E. minor. However, as in all mammals, we can assume that these mice give birth to live young which the mother cares for in some type of nest or burrow. In all mammals, the mother provides her young with protection, grooming, and food, in the form of milk. The duration of maternal care is not known for E. minor, nor is the role of males in parental care.

The expected lifespan in E. minor has not been reported.

Eliurs minor has broad hindfeet, a long outer digit, highly developed plantar pads, and a tail longer than the body, all of which suggest an arboreal habit. Also, there have been specimens collected among boulders and rock outcrops, suggesting terrestrial activity. Beyond this, nothing is known about the behavior of these animals. (Goodman and Benstead, 2003)

The size of home ranges in E. minor has not been reported. (Garbutt, 1999; Goodman and Benstead, 2003; Nowak, 1997)

Communication in E. minor has not been documented. However, we can assume that these animals are like other similar mammal. It is likely that there is some tactile communication, especially between mothers and their offspring and between mates. Scent cues probably play some role in communication, especially in relation to reproduction. Visual and vocal signals are probably also used, although they have not been documented.

From various fecal samples, there is evidence that E. minor may feed on coconut. Also, there have been findings of gnawed seeds in their habitat, and specimens have been caught in fruiting trees. It seems likely from this that these animals eat fruits and grains, although other dietary components cannot be ruled out. (Garbutt, 1999; Goodman and Benstead, 2003)

Known predators of E. minor are birds and mammals in forest communities. E. minor and E. webbi composed 61% of the prey recovered from regurgitated pellets of two owl species, Asio madagascariensis and Tyto soumagnei. (Goodman and Benstead, 2003)

Because gnawed seeds are found in conjunction with these animals, it can be speculated that they may be involved in destruction and possible dispersal of seeds. As prey, E. minor may be an important part of local food webs. These animals are also vectors for parasites and disease.

Elurius minor is not known to have any positive economic impact on humans.

Elurius minor is not known to have any negative economic impact on humans.

Although E. minor is not listed as endangered by CITES or IUCN, it is a member of a genus which occupies very threatened habitat. Nowak (1999) reports that other members of the genus are listed as endangered or near threatened. (Nowak, 1999)