Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 2439304

Northern Water Rat

Paraleptomys rufilatus

Also known as Red-sided Water Rat, Rufous-sided Water Rat

Northern water rats forage through dense mossy leaf litter and splash zones along pristine mountain torrents, using acute vibrissae and slender muzzles to probe for hidden invertebrate prey. Unlike heavier aquatic rodents, they possess nimble, elongated hind feet tailored for scampering across wet boulders and tangled root networks. Restricted to isolated cloud forest ridges across northern New Guinea, their solitary nocturnal wanderings remain among the least documented in the rodent world.

NocturnalMontane
Northern Water Rat reference
Licensed referenceWikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Earthworms
  • Aquatic Insect Larvae
  • Terrestrial Amphipods
Predators
  • New Guinea Quoll
  • Sooty Owl
  • Amethystine Python
ThreatsDeforestation, agricultural encroachment, and predation by introduced carnivores
HabitatsTropical montane moss forests, stream banks, and cloud forest floors
Life span2–4 years
Classification
  1. FamilyMuridae
  2. SpeciesParaleptomys rufilatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of delivering a sharp defensive bite if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
Why it is dangerous
Sharp rodent incisors can easily puncture skin and transfer oral bacteria if an individual is cornered or handled.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a slender, pointed snout, dark brownish-grey dorsal fur with rufous-tinged flanks, and a pale belly.
What to do
Never attempt to grab or trap wild rodents by hand; give them a clear escape route into dense cover.
What to notice
Recognizable by its small size, rufous flanks, and association with pristine high-elevation streams.
Support conservation
Maintain a quiet, unobtrusive posture and avoid disturbing sensitive moss forest microhabitats.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Scan mossy stream edges after dark using a dim red headlamp to avoid startling nocturnal foragers.
  • Habitat Care: Avoid trampling fragile moss carpets and undercut stream banks where burrows are excavated.
Related species
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