Vangunu giant rat

The Vangunu giant rat (Uromys vika), locally known as the vika, is a giant arboreal species of rodent in the family Muridae.

[5] It was identified as a new species on the basis of its skull, skeleton and a detailed DNA analysis.

[2] The single individual initially collected from a felled tree (Dillenia salomonensis) measured 46 cm (18 in) long, weighed between 0.5 and 1.0 kg (1.1 and 2.2 lb) and had orange-brown fur.

[2] The species is likely to be designated critically endangered, due to the small amount of forest habitat (about 80 km2 (31 sq mi)) remaining on the island and ongoing logging.

They are highly threatened by proposed logging plans for their remaining habitat.