Natal Multimammate Mouse
Mastomys natalensis
Silhouette: Katy Lawler · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassMammalia (Mammals)
- OrderRodentia (Rodents)
- FamilyMuridae (Old World Mice and Rats)
- GenusMastomys (Multimammate Mice)
- SpeciesMastomys natalensis (Natal Multimammate Mouse)
About the Natal Multimammate Mouse
The Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is also known as the Natal multimammate rat, the common African rat, African soft fur rat or the African soft-furred mouse. The Natal multimammate rat is the natural host of the Lassa fever virus.
It is found in Africa south of the Sahara. Six different genetic groups can be distinguished in different regions: one in western Africa, one in central Africa, one in southern Africa and three in eastern Africa. Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, urban areas, irrigated land, and seasonally flooded agricultural land.
These rats are closely associated with humans, and are commonly found in and around African villages. The species has been used as a laboratory animal since 1939. It has great value for researchers studying stomach cancer and spontaneous tumors. It is also the most important reservoir of the Lassa fever... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Natal Multimammate Mouse in Gorongosa National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Gorongosa National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gorongosa National Park | 🇲🇿 Mozambique |
More parks will be added in future updates.