CR

Uromys porculus

Unknown

Overview

The Guadalcanal rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It was found only in the Solomon Islands. The species was collected between 1886 and 1888 and has not been seen since. It is possibly extinct.

Uromys porculus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and logging activities across its limited range in Papua New Guinea. Introduced predators, particularly feral cats and dogs, pose significant threats to this ground-dwelling rodent. The species' restricted distribution makes it extremely vulnerable to localized extinctions from human encroachment and infrastructure development.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits lowland tropical forests and forest edges in Papua New Guinea, typically found in areas with dense understory vegetation. It occupies both primary and secondary forest habitats at elevations up to 1,000 meters.

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in MURIDAE

VU

Christina's Margareta Rat

Margaretamys christinae

Unknown
EN

Lompobatang Sulawesi Rat

Rattus mollicomulus

Unknown
VU

Kakadu Pebble-mouse

Pseudomys calabyi

Declining
EN

Cameroon Soft-furred Mouse

Praomys morio

Declining

Threatened in Solomon Islands

EN

Santa Cruz Ground Dove

Pampusana sanctaecrucis

Declining
VU

Actinopyga mauritiana

Declining
CR

Pelagodoxa mesocarpa

Declining
VU

Alsophila solomonensis

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Uromys porculus classified as Critically Endangered?
Uromys porculus is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Uromys porculus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and logging activities across its limited range in Papua New Guinea. Introduced predators, particularly feral cats and dogs, pose significant threats to this ground-dwelling rodent. The species' restricted distribution makes it extremely vulnerable to localized extinctions from human encroachment and infrastructure development.
Where does Uromys porculus live?
Uromys porculus occurs in Solomon Islands. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Uromys porculus?
The main threats to Uromys porculus are 8.1, 8.2, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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