Giant Jumping Rat

Also known as Malagasy Giant Rat, Votsotsa, Votsovotsa

Reaching the size of a rabbit, Madagascar's largest endemic rodent spends daylight underground in elaborate burrows before emerging at night to search for fallen fruit, seeds, and bark. Monogamous pairs defend a shared territory for life and raise just one or two offspring each year. Rapid habitat clearing in the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar poses a severe threat to their remaining stronghold.