2017 Volume 57 Issue 2 Pages 221-226
We reported long-term feeding cases of rescued Ryukyu long-furred rat (13 individuals) and Okinawa spiny rat (1 individual) kept in our animal clinic. Several kinds of artificial food were used as principal food, and a variety of plant materials (fruits, seeds, vegetables, etc.) and animal materials (small animals, bird eggs, etc.) were used as side menu items. The maximum longevity under captive conditions was 3.9 years in the Ryukyu long-furred rat and 4.1 years in the Okinawa spiny rat. We also reported some behavior observed in captive conditions, biochemical examinations of blood, and causes of death. These findings are expected to contribute to ex-situ conservation of the two species in the future, as well as of rescues of injured individuals.
