A little-known but ecologically important rodent found only in the highland grasslands of central Ethiopia. Blick’s grass rat shares many features with its relatives, such as being diurnal (active during the day), herbivorous, and well-adapted to grassy, open habitats. What sets this species apart is its restricted range and its role in a high-elevation ecosystem where few small mammals are as well-adapted.

This grass rat is a medium-sized rodent, typically measuring about 15 to 18 centimeters (6 to 7 inches) in body length, with a shorter tail and a sturdy, compact build. Its fur is usually coarse and grayish-brown, helping it blend in with the dry grass and soil of its alpine environment. As with other members of Arvicanthis, it has small rounded ears, sharp eyes well-suited to daylight activity, and strong front teeth adapted for gnawing tough vegetation.

Blick’s grass rat lives in the Ethiopian Highlands, particularly in montane grasslands and moorlands at elevations over 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). These high-altitude regions can be cool and harsh, but Blick’s grass rat thrives in them, living in burrows and feeding on a mix of grasses, herbs, seeds, and roots. It’s often found in areas with short grass cover, where it can quickly dart back into its burrow if a predator approaches.

Unlike many rodents that are nocturnal, Blick’s grass rat is active during the day, which aligns it with diurnal predators like birds of prey and Ethiopian wolves. In fact, this grass rat is one of the main food sources for the Ethiopian wolf, Africa’s most endangered carnivore. Because of this, Blick’s grass rat plays a critical role in the food web of the Bale Mountains and surrounding highlands.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Ethiopia

NT

2016