The species status of this species is highly controversial. It has long been a synonym of Niviventer confucianus. Only recently has molecular systematic research confirmed its independent species status. This species is mainly distributed in areas above 2000m above sea level in Taiwan. The habitat area is small and the IUCN lists it as a near threatened species.
The community rat is good at climbing, agile, mostly active at night, and has a miscellaneous diet. It likes to eat a variety of nuts, tender leaves or a small amount of insects. It can reproduce 3-4 litters per year, with 4-5 litters per litter. It mainly lives in hilly forests, bamboo forests, thatched grass, thorny bushes or near farmland, weeds, caves, rock crevices, and stream ditches.
