Soft-furred rat


The soft-furred rat, or soft-furred metad, is a species of rodent in the family Muridae native to central Asia.

Description

Head and body length is 13–16 cm. Tail ss 12–14 cm. Yellowish to brownish gray dorsally and whitish in the underparts. Tail naked, blackish above, paler beneath. Fine dense fur shorter ventrally. Many shortish whiskers. Males are larger.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, at altitudes from ssea level to 2,670 m asl. It inhabits tropical and sub-tropical forests and grasslands, also making use of irrigated croplands and other cultivated areas.