Wikipedia:Main Page history/2016 October 3

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Eremoryzomys, also known as the gray rice rat, is a genus of rodent consisting of a single species, E. polius. Discovered in 1912 and first described in 1913 by Wilfred Osgood, it was originally named Oryzomys polius. In 2006, a cladistic analysis found that it was not closely related to Oryzomys or to any other known member of its tribe, Oryzomyini. The Brazilian genus Drymoreomys, named in 2011, is probably its closest relative. Eremoryzomys has a limited distribution in the dry upper valley of the Marañón River in central Peru. A large, long-tailed rice rat, with a head and body length of 138 to 164 mm (5.4 to 6.5 in), it has gray fur, short ears, and well-developed ungual tufts of hair on the hindfeet. Females have eight mammae. The rostrum (front part of the skull) is long and robust and the braincase is rounded. The bony palate is relatively short. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has found insufficient data to assess the conservation status; the species may be threatened by destruction of its habitat for cattle farming. (Full article...)

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Lena Sundström
Lena Sundström

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Artist's rendering of the European Space Agency's Rosetta probe
Artist's rendering of Rosetta

On this day...

October 3: Islamic New Year (2016, 1438 AH); German Unity Day; National Day in Iraq (1932); National Foundation Day in South Korea

Boris III of Bulgaria
Boris III of Bulgaria
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There are 159 entries of paintings among the National Treasures of Japan, from the 8th-century Classical Nara period to the early modern 19th-century Edo period. The term "National Treasure" has been used in Japan to denote cultural properties since 1897. The definition and the criteria have changed since the inception of the term. These paintings adhere to the current definition, and were designated national treasures when the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties was implemented on June 9, 1951. As such, they are restricted in transfer and may not be exported. Owners are required to announce any changes to the National Treasures such as damage or loss and need to obtain a permit for changes in location, transfer of ownership or intended repairs. The number of paintings included is more than 159, because in some cases groups of related paintings are combined to form a single entry. The paintings listed show Buddhist themes, landscapes, portraits and court scenes. Some of the paintings were imported directly from China. (Full list...)

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Indonesian rupiah

A 1 rupiah banknote from the first issue of banknotes by newly formed Indonesia. Although dated 17 October 1945, the notes were not actually issued until late 1946. The legal tender obligation is arched across the front of the note, Tanda pembajaran jang sah ("A valid/legal indication of payment"). The banknote is unevenly cut, and the top and bottom of the design are not completely parallel.

Banknote: Government of Indonesia; image courtesy of the National Numismatic Collection

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