Some Observations upon the Pouched Rat in Nyasaland

Abstract

The present paper is based upon the collection of twenty-six specimens of the long-tailed pouched rat Beamys major Dollman, between November 1960 and July 1961. A table is given of all recorded individuals of this species. Anatomical features are described which were not included in the type description. The known distribution of Beamys major is limited to Nyasaland and the Northern Rhodesian border where it crosses the Nyika Plateau. Its habitat is restricted to broad-leaved evergreen forest at altitudes of from about 2,000 to 7,000 feet. The species is omnivorous but feeds chiefly upon seeds and fruits which are stored in the nesting chamber throughout the year. Specimens in captivity were found to be unable to subsist entirely on dry food. Beamys major is coprophagous. The burrow is characterized by a vertical entrance shaft, a nesting chamber and a separate latrine chamber. The breeding season is from November to May. The observed litter size in trapped animals was from four to seven. Some adults were observed to exhibit two distinct seasonal color phases. In the dry season the dorsal fur is dark grey, but in some specimens it becomes light reddish-brown in the wet season. Beamys major is solitary and nocturnal. It is an agile climber, possessing a prehensile tail. The possible reasons for its present distribution and rarity and its probable close relationship to Cricetomys are discussed.