Rhynchomeles prattorum, Thomas, 1920

Russell A. Mittermeier & Don E. Wilson, 2015, Peramelidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 362-398 : 398

18.

Seram Bandicoot

Rhynchomeles prattorum

French: Bandicoot de Seram / German: Seram-Nasenbeutler / Spanish: Bandicut de Seram

Other common names: Ceram Bandicoot, Seram Island Long-nosed Bandicoot

Taxonomy. Rhynchomeles prattorum Thomas, 1920 ,

“ Mt. Manusela , 6000’,” Seram Island, Indonesia.

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Mt Manusela, C Seram.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 24.-5-33 cm, tail 10.5-13 cm; no specific data are available for body weight, but probably more than 500 g. Has uniformly chocolate-brown dorsal and ventral fur, except for a variably sized pure white patch on chest. Hindfoot is relatively short and broad, and snout extremely elongate. As in species of Echymipera , incisor I 5 is absent.

Habitat. Upper montane tropical forest. Notes made by collectors of all known specimens of this species state that animals were captured in “very precipitous jungle-clad limestone country” and in “heavy jungle, precipitous limestone terrain.” One collection label notes that specimen was taken at 6000 ft (c¢.1800 m).

Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.

Breeding. There is no information available for this species.

Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Endangered on The IUCN Red List. The population trend is unknown. This species is represented by seven specimens collected in 1920 from Mount Manusela; the single known locality lies within Manusela National Park and thus receives nominal protection from habitat disturbance. Recent surveys in Seram have failed to uncover further specimens ofthis cryptic peramelid, but none focused on the rugged and high-altitude moss forests that appear to be the species’ stronghold. Assuming that the bandicoot still persists,it is very likely to be endangered because of a recent acceleration in forest-clearing for timber, conversion of forest at lower altitudes for crops, and increased disturbance due to fire. Pigs, rats, dogs, and possibly domestic cats (Felis catus) also have been introduced to Seram; with habitat degradation potentially providing these introduced pest species with easier access into the higher-altitude forests, the future for this remarkable and endemic peramelid appears bleak. Targeted surveys therefore are needed as a matter of urgency on Mount Manusela and other peaks on Seram in order to define the current status of this species and to inform future conservation actions accordingly.

Bibliography. Flannery (1995b), George & Maynes (1990), Groves (2005c), Groves & Flannery (1990), Leary, Wright, Hamilton, Singadan, Menzies, Bonaccorso, Helgen, Seri, Allison, Aplin et al. (2008b), Tate (1948b), Thomas (1920c), Westerman et al. (2012).

Figures

9. Clara’s Echymipera (Echymupera clara), 10. David’s Echymipera (Echymipera davidi), 11. Menzies’s Echymipera (Echymipera echinista), 12. Common Echymipera (Echymipera kalubu), 13. Long-nosed Echymipera (Echymipera rufescens), 14. Striped Bandicoot (Microperoryctes longicauda), 15. Mouse Bandicoot (Microperoryctes murina), 16. Arfak Pygmy Bandicoot (Microperoryctes aplin), 17. Papuan Bandicoot (Microperoryctes papuensis), 18. Seram Bandicoot (Rhynchomeles prattorum)

Distribution. Mt Manusela, C Seram.