Malagasy Giant Jumping Rat (Hypogeomys Antimena) or Votsota - Â
About the size of a rabbit, this rat is the largest rodent in Madagascar. Â
They have relatively short tails for their size, and despite their name, rarely jump. Â However when they do jump, they can reach heights of up to 3 feet, and only do so to avoid predators like boas and fossa. Â Their hind feet are large and adapted for jumping.
They live in burrows that can be up to 17 feet long. Â During the day they build and sleep in these burrows. Â At night they forage on fruits, seeds, vegetation and occasionally insects and bugs. Â
Due to habitat destruction and predation from introduced species, they are critically endangered. Â Some believe that it may become extinct in less than 30 years.Â
