Phloeomys – Slender-tailed cloud rats

A group of large, tree-dwelling rodents found only in the Philippines, specifically on the islands of Luzon and nearby areas. These unique animals are part of the broader cloud rat family and are some of the largest rats in the world, with some individuals reaching the size of a small cat! With their thick, fluffy fur, gentle faces, and slow, deliberate movements, cloud rats look and behave more like a cross between a squirrel and a sloth than what most people imagine when they hear the word “rat.”

There are two recognized species in this genus: the Northern Luzon giant cloud rat (Phloeomys pallidus) and the Southern Luzon giant cloud rat (Phloeomys cumingi). Both are nocturnal and arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees and are active mainly at night. Their fur is soft and woolly—usually colored in shades of brown, gray, white, or black—helping them blend in with the mossy forest canopy. Unlike many rodents, they have a broad, flat tail that helps with balance in the treetops, and their sharp claws allow them to cling to branches and tree trunks with ease.

One of the most distinctive traits of Phloeomys species is their diet and behavior. They are herbivores, feeding mainly on young leaves, fruits, buds, and shoots, and they have slow metabolisms, which matches their calm and unhurried lifestyle. Unlike other rats, which are often fast and jittery, cloud rats are slow-moving and shy, often freezing or retreating into tree hollows if disturbed. They are also among the few rodents known to care for their young for extended periods. Females typically give birth to just one offspring at a time, which they carry and groom carefully.