405.

Fynbos Vlei Rat

Otomys karoensis

French: Otomys du Karoo / German: Fynbos-Lamellenzahnratte / Spanish: Rata de laguna de fynbos

Taxonomy. Otomys karoensis Roberts, 1931,

Tulbach, Western Cape, South Africa.

Otomys karoensis previously was included in O.saundersiae, which was shown to be a synonym of O. rroratus. Morphological characteristics distinguish O. karoensis from O. irroratus. Monotypic.

Distribution. Disjunct in South Africa in Cape Fold Belt Mts in Western Cape and isolated populations in S Free State and Eastern Cape N of 33° S.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 110-154 mm, tail 86-111 mm, ear 18-23 mm, hindfoot 25-30 mm; weight 78-139 g. The Fynbos Vlei Rat is medium to large in size and robust, with large blunt head, shorttail, and shaggy fur. Fur is pallid grayish buff. Upper and lower incisors each have single deep groove, and additional shallow groove is present on lower incisors. M, has four laminae, and M’ has 5-6 laminae (but seven in holotype). The Fynbos Vlei Rat can be distinguished from the Southern African Vlei Rat (O. wrroratus) based on morphometric characteristics.

Habitat. Rocky mountain fynbos habitats, with Restio spp. (Restionaceae) dominating, and grasslands and shrublands in Drakensberg Mountains of northern Eastern Cape Province and Fauresmith and Bloemfontein districts of Free State Province.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. The Fynbos Vlei Rat is presumably diurnal or crepuscular.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Fynbos Vlei Rat is docile and curious in captivity.

Status and Conservation. Not assessed on The IUCN Red List. The Fynbos Vlei Rat is regionally listed as least concern in South Africa.

Bibliography. Engelbrecht et al. (2011), Monadjem et al. (2015), Roberts (1931), Taylor, Kumirai & Contrafatto (2005), Taylor, Maree, van Sandwyk, Baxter & Rambau (2009), Taylor, Meester & Kearney (1993), Taylor, Nengovhela et al. (2016).