Distribution and habitat of the Laotian Rock Rat Laonastes aenigmamus Jenkins, Kilpatrick, Robinson & Timmins, 2005 (Rodentia: Diatomyidae) in Vietnam

Research confirms the Laotian Rock Rat (Laonastes aenigmamus), a critically endangered rodent and sole surviving member of the extinct family Diatomyidae, inhabits a tiny 150 km² range in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam. This discovery expands its known distribution from Laos to Vietnam but underscores severe threats: restricted habitat, high hunting pressure, and forest disturbances. The species thrives in low karst forests with steep limestone towers, using crevices for dens and feeding on 18 plant species and insects. Despite its IUCN Endangered status in Laos, it lacks legal protection in Vietnam, jeopardizing survival.

Nguyen, D., Nguyen, N., Nguyen, D., Dinh, T., Le, D., & Dinh, D. (2014). Distribution and habitat of the Laotian Rock Rat Laonastes aenigmamus Jenkins, Kilpatrick, Robinson &; Timmins, 2005 (Rodentia: Diatomyidae) in Vietnam. Biodiversity Data Journal, 2. https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.2.e4188