Wildlifeof China
Chinese Bamboo Rat
Rats, Mice, Voles & Porcupines
Photo: Thomas Hardwicke · Public domain
Rhizomys sinensis
Basic stats
Diet
Bamboo roots, shoots and other underground plant parts
Habitat
Bamboo stands, forest margins and cultivated hillsides
Range
Central and southern China and adjoining northern Southeast Asia
Size
Approximately 22–40cm head-and-body length
Weight
Approximately 1.8–4kg
The Chinese bamboo rat is a stout, short-limbed burrowing rodent with small eyes and ears, a short tail and powerful incisors. Adults measure approximately 22–40cm and may weigh several kilograms. It occurs through central and southern China and adjoining parts of northern Southeast Asia. (Wikipedia, general species account)
It lives underground in bamboo stands, forest margins and cultivated hillsides. Strong claws and incisors are used to excavate tunnels and reach bamboo roots, shoots and other subterranean plant parts. Animals are usually solitary within their burrow systems and produce audible tooth-grinding or grunting sounds when disturbed. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Chinese Bamboo Rat eat?
- Bamboo roots, shoots and other underground plant parts
- What habitat does the Chinese Bamboo Rat live in?
- Bamboo stands, forest margins and cultivated hillsides
- Where is the Chinese Bamboo Rat found?
- Central and southern China and adjoining northern Southeast Asia
- How big is the Chinese Bamboo Rat?
- Approximately 22–40cm head-and-body length
- How much does the Chinese Bamboo Rat weigh?
- Approximately 1.8–4kg