Elusive Giant Rat Caught on Camera for the First Time
The ultra-rare Vangunu giant rat, also known as Uromys vika, has been captured on camera for the first time. This critically endangered species, which can grow to the size of a baby and crack coconuts with its teeth, is only found on Vangunu Island in the Solomon Islands. Researchers from the University of Melbourne and Solomon Islands National University were able to capture images of the rodent with the help of the local Indigenous population. The discovery of this new rodent species highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts, as its habitat is threatened by logging.
