What does an adult Dambo rat look like? - briefly
An adult Dambo rat possesses a sleek, medium‑sized body roughly 10–12 cm in length, covered by a dark brown to black fur coat, a long hairless tail, and prominent beady eyes. Its small, rounded ears and clawed paws are adapted for agile climbing.
What does an adult Dambo rat look like? - in detail
The mature Dambo rat measures 18–22 cm in head‑body length, with a tail almost equal to or slightly longer than the body, typically 19–24 cm. Body mass ranges from 120 to 180 g, depending on sex and geographic origin.
Fur is dense, short, and glossy. Dorsal coloration varies from deep brown to gray‑black, often with a subtle metallic sheen. The ventral side is lighter, ranging from pale gray to creamy white, with a sharp contrast along the lateral line. Guard hairs are slightly longer than the undercoat, giving the coat a uniform texture.
The head is rounded, with a short, blunt muzzle. Eyes are medium‑sized, dark brown, and positioned laterally, granting a wide field of vision. Ears are small, rounded, and covered with fine fur; they lie close to the skull and are not prominent. Whiskers are long, stiff, and arranged in multiple rows, providing tactile feedback in low‑light environments.
Limbs are compact, with five clawed digits on each foot. Hind limbs are longer than forelimbs, facilitating agile hopping and climbing. The tail is hairless, covered with a thin layer of skin, and exhibits a slight taper toward the tip. It is prehensile enough to aid in balance but not used for grasping.
Sexual dimorphism is minimal; males may be marginally larger and possess a slightly broader skull, while females display a more rounded abdomen, especially when pregnant. Both sexes retain the same coat pattern and coloration throughout adulthood.