Lesser Bandicoot Rat

The lesser bandicoot rat is a giant rat of southern Asia, not related to the true bandicoots, which are marsupials. The fur is dark or rarely pale brown above, occasionally blackish, and light to dark grey below. Head and body are about 25cm, with a uniformly dark tail shorter than the body, and it can reach about 40cm including the tail (Wikipedia, general species account).

It digs elaborate burrows with a characteristic pile of earth at the entrance, including many chambers and bolt-holes covered in loose earth, and has been reported tunnelling through concrete cellars. It is nocturnal or most active at twilight, and is considered a pest of cereal crops and gardens in places. Young are born blind and mature in around 60 days. Nationally Least Concern (Nepal National Red List 2011).