Squirrel-toothed rat

The squirrel-toothed rat (Anisomys imitator), also known as the New Guinea giant rat, powerful-toothed rat, uneven-toothed rat, or narrow-toothed giant rat,^[2] is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is the only species in the genus Anisomys and is found in New Guinea.

Squirrel-toothed rat Temporal range: Pleistocene to Recent
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Rodentia
Family:	Muridae
Tribe:	Hydromyini
Genus:	Anisomys Thomas, 1904
Species:	A. imitator
Binomial name
Anisomys imitator Thomas, 1904

The species has been known to eat karuka nuts (Pandanus julianettii),^[3] and growers will put platforms or other obstacles on the trunks of the trees to keep the pests out.^[4][3]

Names

It is known as gudi-ws or gudl-ws in the Kalam language of Papua New Guinea.^[5]