The biggest mouse in the world is as big as a small dog

Giant mouse fossils discovered in Indonesia show that they can weigh 5kg and are as big as a small Dachshund dog.

Julien Louys and colleagues from Australian National University last year discovered fossils of the world's largest mice in East Timor and Indonesia, the BBC reported. Here, the scientists identified 7 giant species of extinct mice. The smallest species weighs 1.5kg and the largest species weighs 5kg, equivalent to a small Dachshund (sausage dog).

Fossil bones of giant rats were found in East Timor.(Photo: Australian National University).

Archaeologists conclude that the ancient inhabitants of the island eat rats, as evidenced by the burning of the mouse bone and chewing. Louys said rat hunting has existed for 40,000 years in human history.

According to Louys, the extinct ancient giant rats are involved in the emergence of metal tools because their living areas are devastated by humans for sandalwood. If this hypothesis is correct, many giant rats are in danger by human activity.

Currently, there are still many giant rat species in the world.Rat Sumatran Bamboo (Rhizomys sumatrensis) with a length from nose to tip of 50cm, can weigh up to 4kg. This species mainly lives in China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Indonesia.

Gambian kangaroo (Cricetomys gambianus) , also known as the giant African kangaroo, has a length of 90cm and weighs 1.4kg. In Africa, they are trained to detect mines by sniffing, intelligence, long life cycles and adaptability to this hot continental condition.