Thomas's vlei rat
# Thomas's vlei rat

Thomas's vlei rat (Otomys thomasi) is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is endemic to Kenya's high plateau mountains of the Rift Valley.

## Taxonomy

Osgood (1910) initially described this species as Otomys thomasi. In 2006, it would be included under Otomys orestes (afroalpine vlei rat) by Carleton & Byrne. Taylor et al. (2011) reviewed the genus Otomys and moved Otomys thomasi back to species status.

## Conservation

It is known from less than 10 locations in Kenya and isn't recorded in protected areas, hence the assessment of the species as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN.

