The giant jumping rat (Hypogeomys antimena) is a large rodent that lives in the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar. It has a body length of about 30–35 cm and weighs 1–1.5 kg, with large ears and long hind limbs; when startled it may leap vertically. Nocturnal, it digs deep burrows in the ground (up to 5 m long and 1 m deep) and feeds on fruits and seeds. Maturation is slow and breeding occurs about once a year, producing 1–2 young. Due to habitat forest destruction and introduced predators, its numbers have declined sharply; it is currently classified as Critically Endangered (IUCN category I A) and conservation efforts continue.