Moonrat

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Eulipotyphla
Family:	Erinaceidae
Subfamily:	Galericinae
Genus:	Echinosorex
Species:	Echinosorex gymnura

Not a ‘real’ hedgehog

Moonrats may look somewhat like hedgehogs at first glance, and they do belong to the same family (Erinaceidae), but they are part of a different branch: the subfamily Galericinae, also known as hairy hedgehogs or gymnures. Like true hedgehogs, they are insectivorous, nocturnal, and have a strong sense of smell. However, unlike hedgehogs, they have no spines, cannot roll into a ball, and are covered in coarse fur instead of protective quills. They tend to be faster, more agile, and have longer tails and more pointed faces. Their behavior and body shape are often more like those of shrews or rats than of typical hedgehogs, even though they are close relatives.

Natural range & habitat

Moonrats are found in Southeast Asia, including Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand, Sumatra, and Borneo. They inhabit dense tropical rainforests, swamps, and sometimes secondary forests near rivers or streams. They prefer moist environments and are often found in lowland forest undergrowth with plenty of cover. Though elusive, they are not strictly limited to pristine forests and may tolerate lightly disturbed areas.

Physical traits

The Moonrat has a long, slender body reaching up to 32–40 cm in length, with a naked tail nearly as long as its body. Adults can weigh over 1 kg. Unlike hedgehogs, Moonrats have no spines; instead, they are covered in shaggy, coarse fur that varies from pure white to dark grey or black, with distinct regional color forms. They have a long, pointed snout, small eyes, and large ears. A powerful scent gland near the tail releases a strong ammonia-like odor, which is believed to deter predators.

Behavior & lifestyle

Moonrats are nocturnal and primarily solitary. They move swiftly through the undergrowth and forage along forest floors, sometimes near water. They do not hibernate and are active year-round. Unlike hedgehogs, they cannot roll up and instead rely on speed, camouflage, and scent for protection. When threatened, they may emit loud hissing or growling sounds and release their strong musky odor. They sleep in hidden nests made of leaves or grass during the day and are rarely seen unless disturbed.

Communication

Moonrats are known for being vocal, using grunts, growls, and hisses to communicate. They also use scent marking to establish territory and possibly attract mates. The foul-smelling secretions from their scent glands likely serve both as a warning to intruders and as a chemical signature. While their vision is limited, their keen sense of smell and hearing helps them detect prey and avoid danger in the dark.

Diet in the wild

Moonrats are insectivores, but their diet is quite varied. They feed on insects, earthworms, small vertebrates, crustaceans, and even rotten fruit or fungi. They use their long snouts to root through soil and leaf litter, probing crevices with their sensitive noses. They are opportunistic feeders and may also scavenge dead animals when available. Their digestive system is adapted to high-protein, animal-based food sources.

Reproduction & life cycle

Breeding in Moonrats is not well studied, but they are believed to have one to two offspring per litter. The young are born in a sheltered nest and are altricial, meaning they are born blind, hairless, and completely dependent on the mother. They grow rapidly and begin to leave the nest within a few weeks. Females care for the young alone. There is no defined breeding season in tropical regions, and reproduction may occur year-round depending on food availability.

Threats & conservation status

The Moonrat is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but its populations are affected by deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and in some areas, hunting. Its preference for humid forests makes it vulnerable to large-scale logging and land conversion. However, it is still widely distributed and relatively adaptable to disturbed habitats, which has helped it persist in many areas despite environmental pressures.

This species in captivity

Moonrats are rarely kept in captivity and are generally considered unsuitable for domestic care. They are shy, sensitive to stress, and have very specific environmental needs, including high humidity and a protein-rich diet. Their strong odor also makes them undesirable in home settings. In zoological collections, they are occasionally displayed in Southeast Asian exhibits but remain rare due to their secretive nature and care requirements.