Wildlifeof Thailand
Moonrat
Erinaceidae
Photo: Max Tibby · CC0
Echinosorex gymnura
Basic stats
Diet
Earthworms, insects, crabs, frogs, fish and carrion
Habitat
Lowland rainforest, often near streams
Range
Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo
The moonrat is a large, tailless-looking gymnure relative of hedgehogs, with coarse black fur, a white head and shoulders and a pale distal tail. It lacks spines and resembles a large shrew or rat. Anal glands produce a strong musky odour used in communication and defence (Animal Diversity Web).
It inhabits lowland rainforest on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo, often beside streams. Mostly nocturnal and terrestrial, it probes soil, leaf litter and water edges for earthworms, insects, crabs, frogs and fish and also takes carrion. Individuals shelter in burrows or hollow logs (Animal Diversity Web). It is Nationally Near Threatened (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What does the Moonrat eat?
- Earthworms, insects, crabs, frogs, fish and carrion
- What habitat does the Moonrat live in?
- Lowland rainforest, often near streams
- Where is the Moonrat found?
- Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo