Thomas's vlei rat


Thomas's vlei rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is endemic to Kenya's high plateau mountains of the Rift Valley.

Taxonomy

Osgood initially described this species as Otomys thomasi. In 2006, it would be included under Otomys orestes by Carleton & Byrne. Taylor et al. reviewed the genus Otomys and moved Otomys thomasi back to species status.

Conservation

It is known from less than 10 locations in Kenya and isn't recorded in protected areas, hence the assessment of the species as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN.