The living fossil Laotian Rock Rat that walks like a duck - with video

[astro]

Look at how it walks!

The remarkable video and photos shot by David Redfield, a professor emeritus of FSU’s science education faculty, and Thai wildlife biologist Uthai Treesucon are being hailed as historic images documenting a true “living fossil,” the Laotian rock rat.

The Laotian rock rat is so called for its only known habitat — limestone outcroppings in Central Laos — and the appearance of the animal’s head and face, which sport long whiskers and beady eyes like those of a rat.

Redfield’s video shows a docile, squirrel-sized animal covered with dark, dense fur and bearing a long tail that’s not as bushy as that of a typical squirrel. Perhaps the most striking observation is how the animal walks — like a duck. Clearly not adapted to climbing trees, the rock rat exhibits a duck-like waddle with its hind feet splayed out at an angle to its body.

[Spacegirl]

@astro

Look at how it walks!

Oh it’s cute! Its little butt wiggles when it walks!

[N9IWP]

But does its squeek echo?

Brian

[nd_n8]

Adorable little bugger, I wonder what he tastes like

[Mama_Zappa]

Cute! It didn’t seem to be afraid of being handled. I wonder if they’ll be kept as pets? I want one! That furry tail is cool!!

[Don_t_Panic]

@N9IWP

But does its squeek echo?

You mean, does it talk like a duck?

Because, if it walks like a duck, and it talks like a duck…

[ShibbOleth]

@nd_n8

Adorable little bugger, I wonder what he tastes like

A bit like spotted owl.

[GaryM]

@ShibbOleth

A bit like spotted owl.

With a slight hint of Snail Darter mixed in!

[Ludovic]

@N9IWP

But does its squeek echo?

Brian

Nope. And no one knows why.

[bouv]

@Mama Zappa

Cute! It didn’t seem to be afraid of being handled.

I’m guessing then that it doesn’t have many (any?) natural predators.

[Cervaise]

Only unnatural ones, like vampires and angry robots.