Target rat

The target rat (Stochomys longicaudatus) is a moderately sized rodent of the family Muridae and the only species in its genus, Stochomys. It lives in humid lowland rainforests of tropical western Central Africa from sea level to 1,000 metres, with a range running from Togo through Benin and Nigeria to the Congo Basin and east to western Uganda. It occurs in swampy forest, gallery forest and beside streams, and has also been seen in secondary forest around villages and in banana plantations. Head and body measure 13 to 17 centimetres and it weighs about 90 grams, with dark reddish-brown fur, greyish flanks, a pale underside and a tail much longer than the body. Long dark bristles on its rump resemble arrow shafts in a target, which gives the animal its name. Largely nocturnal, it feeds on the ground on green vegetation and fallen fruit, with some insects. It is common, has a large presumed population, and is rated least concern.