| Saxatilomys | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Tribe: | Rattini |
| Genus: | Saxatilomys Musser, 2005 |
| Species: | S. paulinae |
| Binomial name | |
| Saxatilomys paulinae Musser, Smith, Robinson & Lunde, 2005 | |
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Saxatilomys paulinae,Paulina's limestone rat, is a species ofmuridrodent native to central Laos and Vietnam, separated to amonotypicgenusSaxatilomys. It was first discovered in theKhammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area inKhammouan Province, Laos, and also been found in the Vietnamese province ofQuang Bình.[2] It is the only known species in the genusSaxatilomys.[3] The genus name is derived from the Latinsaxatilis, meaning "among the rocks" and the Greekmys, meaning mouse or rat.[3]
It resembles, and is likely closely related to, species in the generaNiviventer andChiromyscus.Saxatilomys is distinguished from these and otherIndomalayan genera by "semispinous dark gray upperparts, dark frosted gray underparts, large, extremely bulbous footpads, and a combination of derived and primitive cranial and dental traits".[3]
It is thought to be petricolous and has only been observed in forested, rockylimestone habitats.[3]
