Occurrence of a second species of Naked-tailed rat, genus Melomys, in New South Wales

Abstract

Melomys littoralis is recorded for New South Wales. It is found on the coastal heathland at Evans Head on the far north coast. The species is described and a comparison of measurements is made with the previously known species, M. cervinipes, taken from a rain-forest habitat approximately 50 miles to the north-west. The future of this rat in New South Wales is uncertain, as the substrate of its habitat is a deposit of heavy-mineral-bearing sand with good commercial potential. Specimens of Melomys taken from within the present borders of New South Wales and held by major scientific institutions are listed in the appendix.