Tioman Rat Rattus tiomanicus (Malaysian Wood Rat) is one of the most common rats in disturbed habitats throughout Borneo including plantations and farms. On many small islands it is the only rat and has obviously invaded via the fishing boats that visit these islands.
On small islands this rat is highly destructive of other wildlife including baby turtles and rare island pigeons which previously relied on these islands for safe nesting places.
The illustration by Karen Phillipps shows a Tioman Rat feeding on drift seeds washed up by a high tide. Tioman Rats gnaw through the husk to eat the seeds but may also may assist in establishment by dragging the seeds from the beach into the forest above high tide mark.