Should we be so hateful of Rats?
Facebook user Joharra Ash shared photos of the Southern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat (Phloeomys cumingi), colloquially known as bugkon, on their page to clarify a few things.
Southern Luzon Giant Cloud Rats are found only in the south of Luzon. They resemble common Rats, except for one major difference: They are as big as Cats!
Important but unappreciated
The Facebook post highlights the importance of the Rat in the ecosystem. It reads, “They feed only on fruits, figs, and leaves, contrary to the common [R]ats, who are scavengers. This makes them excellent seed dispersals, playing a crucial role in ensuring the health of the ecosystem.”
The post ends with an appeal to those who may have caught one in the wild: “If you ever [come] across any one of them, please don’t kill [them] and let [them] leave.”
