''Zyzomys'' is a

genus Genus (; : genera ) is a taxonomic rank above species and below family (taxonomy), family as used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In bino ...

rodent Rodents (from Latin , 'to gnaw') are mammals of the Order (biology), order Rodentia ( ), which are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and Mandible, lower jaws. About 40% of all mammal specie ...

s with unusually thick, long tails. Five

species A species () is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction. It is the basic unit of Taxonomy (biology), ...

of the

are known in Australia, where they are called rock rats or thick-tailed rats. The genus was classified by Michael Rogers Oldfield Thomas in 1909.

Taxonomy

There are five known species of rock-rat. The central rock rat (''Zyzomys pedunculatus'') was once believed to be extinct until rediscovered in 1996. * Silver-tailed rock rat, ''Zyzomys argurus'' * Arnhem Land rock rat, ''Zyzomys maini'' * Carpentarian rock rat, ''Zyzomys palatilis'' *

Central rock rat The central rock rat (''Zyzomys pedunculatus''), also known as the central thick-tailed rock-rat, Macdonnell Range rock-rat, and Australian native mouse, is a critically endangered species of rodent in the family Muridae, endemic to Australia. ...

, ''Zyzomys pedunculatus'' * Kimberley rock rat, ''Zyzomys woodwardi''

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q782897 Rodent genera Taxa named by Oldfield Thomas