Detection of giant mice in Papua New Guinea

A giant rat has just been discovered in the rainforest of Papua New Guinea. They are 82cm long, are not afraid of people and are identified as one of the largest rats in the world.

This strange creature was found by BBC explorers at the Mount Bosavi volcano - an extinct volcano in the Southern Highlands plateau of Papua New Guinea - and is not currently found at anywhere else in the world.

The way of climbing is similar to sloth.

The world's largest rat.

Bosavi rats are shaped like rats in cities.

This rat is not afraid of humans.

"This is the largest rat in the world. It's a flesh and blood mouse. It's shaped like a rat in the city," said Dr Kristofer Helgen, an expedition member.

Bosavi - the temporary name given to this rat - weighs 1.5kg and has thick brown fur, which helps them survive in cold and wet conditions at the extinct craters. Early studies have shown that Bosavi may belong to Mallomys, including oversized creatures.

Papua New Guinea is famous for its diversity of rodents. Currently there are about 57 species of rats living on this island. According to the local aboriginals, they are a source of nutritious food for them.