Zyzomys pedunculatus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Central Rock-rat faces severe threats from altered fire regimes that have eliminated the mosaic of vegetation stages essential for its survival. Inappropriate fire management has created extensive areas of uniform vegetation, removing the diverse microhabitats this species requires for foraging and shelter. Predation by introduced European rabbits and feral cats compounds these pressures, while habitat degradation from grazing has further reduced suitable rocky outcrop environments.
Habitat
Zyzomys pedunculatus inhabits rocky outcrops and boulder fields in arid central Australia, particularly areas with complex vegetation mosaics created by natural fire patterns. The species requires diverse microhabitats within these rocky environments, including crevices for shelter and adjacent areas with varying vegetation stages for foraging.
