It was described in 2010 after studies found it to be distinct in anatomy and coloration from other Papuan Rattus species. Although it is only known from Gag Island, it could potentially also be found on other islands in the Raja Ampat chain.[3]
Although its habitat is protected to an extent, it is threatened by nickel mining on Gag Island; due to this, it is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.[4]
^Group (intern)), Paige Engelbrektsson (IUCN SSC Small Mammal Specialist; Trust), Rosalind Kennerley (Durrell Wildlife Conservation (2013-06-30). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Rattus nikenii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
