Conilurus fossil map
Where fossils of Conilurus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 0 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 0 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Early mammals |
|---|---|
| Lived | 5.333 million years ago to the present (Zanclean to Holocene) |
| Periods | Neogene, Quaternary |
| Named by | Ogilby 1838 |
| Fossil records | 24 occurrences at 10 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | Australia |
| Rock formations | txn:NF |
About Conilurus
The rabbit rats of genus Conilurus represent an unusual genus of Old World rats from Australia, New Guinea, and Melville Island.
Head and body are 16.5–20 cm. Tail length is 18–21.5 cm. The tail is haired and has a distinct tuft at the end. These nocturnal animals are found in habitats ranging from coastal areas, swamps, plains, and forests. They have been reported along the edge of oceanic surf, presumably feeding.
Young have been found to cling to one of the mother's four nipples while she forages. Gestation is 33–35 days.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Conilurus (revision 1267202240), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q738245.
