Sindh rice rat, Indian mole-rat, Bengal rat
The Lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) is a giant rat of Southern Asia, not related to the true bandicoots which are marsupials. It is considered a pest in the cereal crops and gardens of India and Sri Lanka and emits piglike grunts when attacking. The name bandicoot is derived from the Telugu language word pandikokku, which roughly means "pig-rat". The fur of these animals is dark or (rarely) pale brown dorsally, occasionally blackish, and light to dark grey ventrally.
Lesser bandicoot rats can be up to 40 cm long (including the tail). Their fur is dark or (rarely) pale brown dorsally, occasionally blackish, and light to dark grey ventrally.
These rats are found in Southern Asia. They inhabit dry and moist forests, mangroves, swamps, cultivated plains, gardens, rice paddies, and urban areas.
Lesser bandicoot rats are nocturnal or most active at twilight. They dig burrows with a characteristic pile of the earth around the entrance, hence their name. The burrow system is extensive and elaborate, consisting of numerous chambers (sleeping, storing, etc.), galleries, and exits or 'bolt-holes', which are covered with loose earth and allow an easy escape during emergencies. The storage chambers are stocked with large amounts of grain, especially during harvest time. Usually, one bandicoot rat lives in one burrow, except when a mother is with young. When disturbed, Lesser bandicoot rats will erect their long guard hairs scattered over the back and emit harsh grunts.
Lesser bandicoot rats are herbivores and carnivores. They feed on wheat, crops, grasses, weeds, grains, fruit, and invertebrates.
Lesser bandicoot rats construct burrows to nest and bear their litters. The number of bandicoot babies can range from 2 to 18 pups and a female can have up to 10 litters. Young are born blind and helpless and become reproductively mature around 60 days after birth.
There are no major threats to this species at present.
According to IUCN Red List, the Lesser bandicoot rat is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are increasing.
