Brachytarsomys mahajambaensis (SciiFii)

The lesser antsangy (Brachytarsomys mahajambaensis) is a species of rodent in the family Nesomyidae that originally lived from northwestern Madagascar during the late Pleistocene to the early Holocene and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and, once its habitat was brought back, reintroduced throughout northwestern Madagascar to help boost biodiversity. The lesser antsangy is distinguished from its cousin, the white-tailed antsangy (Brachytarsomys villosa) by its nearly furless tail. Though smaller than the white-tailed antsangy, lesser antsangys are up to 50 centimeters long. They are easily identifiable by the white tip and the center of the tail, which averages 230 mm long. Lesser antsangys are covered in a thick coat of brownish-grey fur with a white underside. They have short snouts, giving the face a blunt look. Like other species of the genus Brachytarsomys, the lesser antsangys have strong, sharp, curved claws. This characteristic and many others indicate a high degree of specialization for arboreal life. That parallels the way it nests in tree holes. They live in tropical forested areas in Madagascar. They nest in tree holes, some have been observed in holes near the base of trees, most have been observed within 2.5 meters of the ground. Lesser antsangys are generally described as frugivorous, feeding primarily on fruit. Virtually nothing is known about the reproductive ecology of the lesser antsangy or its relatives. However, observations suggest they are monogamous. Though there is little information available on the mating behavior of lesser antsangys, it is known that they can have litters of at least 6 in the wild. A female of this species was captured in early September with 6 well-formed embryos. Similarly, individuals held in captivity produced litters of 6 young. Unfortunately no other information about the offspring is reported. The conservation status of the lesser antsangy is Near Threatened due to habitat loss, however, thanks to the conservationists, the lesser antsangy is a protected species.