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1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202570Tracing the existence of the Flores giant rats in Ruteng Nature Park Yusratul Aini1,2,*, Fadlan Pramatana1, Mhd Muhajir Hasibuan3, Arief Mahmud4, Daniwari Widiyanto4,5 and Mulyo Hutomo51Forestry Department, Nusa Cendana University, Kupang, Indonesia2Institute of Research and Community Service, Nusa Cendana University, Kupang, Indonesia3Forestry Enginering Department, ITERA, Lampung, Indonesia4Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems Agency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia 5NLSU IN-FLORES Project, East Nusa Tenggara, IndonesiaCorresponding author: yusratul.aini@staf.undana.ac.idAbstractFlores Island is part of the Wallacea region, which is characterized by high biodiversity but low population densities of individual species. This region extends from the island of Sulawesi to the eastern part of Nusa Tenggara. Historical records indicate that there are eight mammal species of the Muridae family endemic to Flores. These include Papagomys theodorverhoeveni, Papagomys armandvillei, species from the genus Hooijeromys, Hooijeromys nusatenggara, Spelaeomys florensis, species from the genus Floresomys, Floresomys naso, and Komodomys rintjanus. To date, Papagomys armandvillei and Komodomys rintjanus are the only native species that are still considered widespread and can be found on Flores. In addition, introduced species such as Rattus exulans and Rattus hainaldi are also present on the island. This research represents an initial study aimed at identifying the presence, distribution, and habitat characteristics of Muridae species in Ruteng Nature Park (TWA Ruteng). We employed a line transect method, with site selection based on previous sighting reports and overlaid with a land use map. Five iron traps measuring 60 cm %u00d7 30 cm %u00d7 25 cm were used, along with nylon snares. Trap installation and monitoring were conducted periodically in the mornings and evenings. In total, 14 active nests, 6 abandoned nests, and 5 signs of presence (e.g., tracks and scratch marks) were recorded. However, no individuals were directly observed. Search efforts totaled 189 person-hours across three resort areas: Ranaka, Ranamese, and Golo Lusang. The absence of observed individuals during the 9-day survey period is likely due to seasonal factors affecting species activity. Specifically, the rainy season%u2014with rainfall exceeding 201 mm/month in December 2024%u2014may reduce the foraging activity of these fossorial species.Keywords: Endemic, Flores native, Papagomys, Ruteng, trap.