Pictures and facts about the Vlei rats

Vlei rats

Order : Rodentia
Suborder : Sciurognathi
Family : Muridae
Subfamily : Otomyinae
Genus : Otomys

Facts about the genus Otomys, the vlei rats

Behavior Angoni Vlei Rats are usually solitary but sometimes are found in pairs.

Otomys irroratus A "vlei" is an area of shallow, temporary standing water, thus Vlei Rats are associated with wet areas and stream verge habitats, although they will move into grassland.

The name Otomys is derived from the Greek word "otos" which means ear and "mys" which means mouse.

Vlei rats are specialist herbivores which, on the coastal plain, are only found in old growth.

The name Otomys is derived from the Greek word "otos" which means ear and "mys" which means mouse (Bronner and Meester). (Full text)

htm Grysbok Trail - Mammals: Vlei Rat Otomys irroratus, A "vlei" is an area of shallow, temporary standing water, thus Vlei Rats are associated with wet areas and stream verge habitats . (Full text)

Vlei rats are notorious for having thick fur and also very big ears as far as rodents go and a blunt snout. (Full text)

Vlei rats are most active during the day, and are most often seen either singly or in pairs. (Full text)

The head of Otomys is rounded and rather volelike, and the ears are relatively small. (Full text)

Otomys is a true South African mouse. (Full text)