CR

Large Rock-rat

Cremnomys elvira

Declining

Overview

The Elvira rat is a critically endangered species of rodent in the family Muridae. The species was first described by Sir John Ellerman in 1946. It is found only in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India.

Cremnomys elvira faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Western Ghats. Mining activities and quarrying operations have further fragmented the remaining forest patches where this endemic rodent survives. The species' highly restricted distribution makes it extremely vulnerable to local extinctions, with climate change potentially altering the montane forest conditions it requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic rodent inhabits montane evergreen forests and adjacent grasslands in the Western Ghats of India, typically at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. It shows preference for dense forest undergrowth and rocky outcrops within primary forest areas.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· majorShrubland· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

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

Frequently asked questions

Why is Large Rock-rat classified as Critically Endangered?
Large Rock-rat 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. Cremnomys elvira faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Western Ghats. Mining activities and quarrying operations have further fragmented the remaining forest patches where this endemic rodent survives. The species' highly restricted distribution makes it extremely vulnerable to local extinctions, with climate change potentially altering the montane forest conditions it requires.
Where does Large Rock-rat live?
Large Rock-rat occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Large Rock-rat?
The main threats to Large Rock-rat are 2.3, 3.2, 5.4, and 9.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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