Definition & Meaning of "moonrat"

What is a "moonrat"?

The "moonrat," scientifically known as Echinosorex gymnura, is a small mammal belonging to the family Viverridae, native to Southeast Asia. It has a slender body with a length of up to 50 centimeters, a long, bushy tail that can reach up to 40 centimeters, and small ears. The fur of the moonrat is generally dark brown or black, with a pattern of light and dark bands on its body and tail. Its most distinctive feature is its face, which has a mask-like pattern of light fur around its eyes and snout. The moonrat is known for its nocturnal and arboreal lifestyle, spending much of its time in trees and feeding on a diet that includes insects, fruits, and small vertebrates. Moonrats are solitary creatures and are primarily found in dense tropical forests and rainforests in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.