[Paper] A new giant shrew rat (Rodentia, Muridae, Murinae) from Flores, Indonesia and a comparative investigation of its ecomorphology

via Records of the Australian Museum, 13 December 2023: A new genus and species of large-bodied murine, resembling a shrew rat, was discovered at Liang Bua in Flores, Indonesia. Characterized by a robust jaw, massive incisors, and small molars, this murine suggests a possible carnivorous diet, potentially vermivorous. It stands out as the largest shrew rat identified, contributing to the rich ecomorphological diversity of Flores’ murid community. Its discovery raises questions about the ongoing survival of such species in Flores and the impacts of human activities on local fauna. One of the species is named after the late Indonesian zooarchaeologist, Rokus Due Awe.

We describe a new genus and species of large-bodied murine from archaeological deposits at Liang Bua, a limestone cave in western Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Among a large assemblage of murine remains, several mandibular elements recovered from mostly Holocene sediments show a distinct anatomy, with a long and robust jaw, massive proodont incisors, and relatively small molars. These morphological features are unusual among murines but most similar to terrestrial and carnivorous species of the Indo-Pacific, colloquially referred to as shrew rats (Philippines, Sulawesi) or moss mice (New Guinea), and indicate a potential carnivorous dietary adaptation, perhaps specializing in a vermivorous diet. The size of the mandible indicates that this murine is the largest shrew rat yet known. Although presumed extinct, targeted field research is needed to determine if this rat still lives on Flores today.

Source: A new giant shrew rat (Rodentia, Muridae, Murinae) from Flores, Indonesia and a comparative investigation of its ecomorphology – The Australian Museum