Bramble cay melomys
Common name: Bramble Cay melomys
Scientific name: Melomys rubicola
Animal group: Native rats and mice
Conservation status: This species is listed as Endangered in Queensland (Nature Conservation Act 1992) and is Endangered nationally (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.)
Description: The Bramble Cay melomys is one of the mosaic-tailed rats (distinguished by the mosaic pattern of scales on its tail rather than the concentric rows of scales running along the length of the tail found in most other types of rats and mice). It is about the size of a small rat (body length: 14-16cm; tail length: 14.5-18cm) with light-brown to orange-brown fur.
Habitat and distribution: This species is only found on Bramble Cay, a small vegetated coral cay 340m long by 150m wide, located at the northern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. This makes it Australia's most isolated species of mammal.
Threatening processes: The small size of the island makes this species vulnerable to the effects of severe weather particularly as the island is shrinking as a result of wave action. If this continues, its habitat, and the species itself, will disappear into the Coral Sea. There may also be some predation by dogs that come ashore from boats landing at the island.
Recovery actions: It is important to find out how many Bramble Cay melomys exist and if the species is declining in numbers. It is also necessary to establish that the Bramble Cay melomys is a true species by obtaining genetic material and comparing it with the closely related Cape York melomys Melomys capensis.
Further information: Lee, A.K. (1995). The Action Plan for Australian Rodents. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Endangered Species Program, Project Number 130.
Watts C.H.S. (2002), Bramble Cay Melomys in Strahan, R. (ed.),The Mammals of Australia. Reed New Holland.
Last updated: 02 September 2005