Hypogeomys

Known for one species still alive today: the Malagasy giant jumping rat (Hypogeomys antimena), found only in Madagascar. This rare rodent is one of the largest rats in the world but despite its size, it’s actually very shy and gentle. Its fur is usually brownish on the back and lighter underneath, helping it blend into the dry forest floor. It has large eyes and long whiskers, which help it sense movement in the dim light. This animal is mostly active at night (nocturnal) and spends the day in burrows underground. It eats seeds, fruits, and other plant materials, using its strong front teeth to gnaw and dig. Though it’s a rodent, it behaves more like a small mammal you’d expect to find in a forest, moving slowly and carefully through its dry, leafy habitat.

What makes Hypogeomys especially interesting is how different it is from other rodents. Unlike most rats or mice, the Malagasy giant jumping rat mates for life. Pairs live together in burrows and raise only one or two babies a year, which is very slow for a rodent. Most rodents have large litters and short lifespans, but Hypogeomys takes a more patient approach to survival. It also lives in a very specific type of environment—the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar—which makes it vulnerable when that habitat is destroyed.

Another unique thing is how it moves. Instead of running like a regular rat, it hops using its strong hind legs, similar to a rabbit or kangaroo. This hopping motion helps it escape danger quickly in the leaf-covered forest floor. It’s also one of the only rodents known to create complex underground homes with several entrances and chambers. These burrows provide safety from predators and shelter from the hot sun.