Lexi Webster
Australia is home to a variety of native and introduced rat species. The ''big two'' introduced species are the Black Rat and the Brown Rat, which are considered pests and are known to spread diseases. Native rat species in Australia include the Bush Rat and the Swamp Rat, which are generally much shyer and less commonly found in urban areas. Australia's diverse range of rodents also includes Rabbit-rats, Rock Rats, Water Rats, Stick Nest Rats, Mosaic-tailed Rats, Prehensile-tailed Rats, and Hopping Mice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of rat species in Australia | 3 'pulses' of rodent incursions, including the 'Old Endemic' and 'New Endemic' species |
| Examples of native rats | Bush Rat, Swamp Rat, Rabbit-rats, Rock Rats, Water Rats, Mosaic-tailed Rats, Prehensile-tailed Rats, Hopping Mice |
| Examples of introduced rats | Black Rat, Brown Rat |
| Physical characteristics of native rats | Shorter tails, smaller ears, shy and skittish |
| Physical characteristics of introduced rats | Larger tails, protruding ears, bold and fearless |
| Habitat of native rats | Dense forest understorey, short burrows under logs or rocks, grass nests |
| Habitat of introduced rats | Urban areas, sewers, electrical wires, roofs, human habitations |
| Behaviour of native rats | Nocturnal, rarely seen in areas with high human traffic |
| Behaviour of introduced rats | Active during day and night, agile climbers, feed on grains, fruit, and human food |
| Impact of rats | Spread of diseases, property damage, health risks |
| Control measures | Pest control services, rodent control treatments |
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What You'll Learn
Black and Brown Rats are invasive species in Australia
Rats are considered the "second most successful mammal on the planet" after humans. They are invasive, fast-spreading, and known to spread infection and disease. Black Rats and Brown Rats, in particular, are invasive species in Australia.
Black Rats (Rattus rattus) are an introduced species in Australia and are often called the "Roof Rat" due to their nesting and climbing habits. They have large, rounded ears that protrude from the skull, and long tails relative to their body size. Black Rats are agile climbers and are often seen in fruit trees, scaling fences and electrical wires, or on roofs. They are known to feed on grains, discarded foodstuffs, fruit, and even pet food. They are also effective vectors for spore dispersal, playing an important ecological role in the dispersal of fungal spores. However, they can cause the population size of some native species to decline or go extinct due to their generalist diet and preference for complex habitats.
Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus), also known as Norway Rats or Ship Rats, are another introduced rodent species in Australia. They are closely associated with humans and thrive in coastal urban areas. Brown Rats have a thicker, hairless tail and a blunter snout compared to other rat species. They often shelter under bushes, in sewers, or construct deep burrow systems and nests from shredded materials. Brown Rats are larger and more aggressive than Black Rats, and they have a more diverse diet.
Both Black and Brown Rats are considered dangerous invasive species in Australia due to their ability to spread diseases and their association with human habitats. They are known to transmit various diseases and can be difficult to eradicate without professional pest control assistance.
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Native rats are rarely found in urban areas
Australia is home to a variety of native and non-native rat species. The non-native black and brown rats, also known as the “big two”, are considered pests and are commonly found in urban areas. They are known for their bold behaviour, agility, and ability to spread diseases.
In contrast, native rats such as the Bush Rat and the Swamp Rat are rarely found in urban areas. These native species are much shyer and prefer to nest in dense forest understoreys, sheltering in short burrows under logs or rocks, and lining their nests with grass. They are generally nocturnal and are not attracted to human habitations. The Bush Rat, in particular, is known for its preference for nesting in hidden, dense forest areas, making it quite difficult to find.
The physical appearances of native rats also differ from those of black and brown rats. For example, the Bush Rat has a robust body, a slanted snout, and a thick tail, while the Swamp Rat has gold-tinted fur and a long, white-tipped tail. These physical differences can sometimes make it challenging to distinguish between native and invasive rat species, especially when identifying them from photographs.
The presence of rats in urban areas, particularly the invasive black and brown rats, can pose significant concerns for public health and safety. These rats are known to spread diseases and have been associated with historical events such as the Black Death. Therefore, it is essential for residents to take proactive measures and contact pest control services to mitigate the risks associated with rat infestations.
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Rats are known to spread infections and diseases
Diseases transmitted by rats can be categorised into two groups: those transmitted directly through exposure to infected rat faeces, urine, or bites, and those transmitted indirectly through arthropod vectors such as fleas, ticks, or mites. For example, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a viral disease transmitted by the rice rat through contaminated dust, direct contact with faeces or urine, or, less frequently, a rat bite. Leptospirosis is another disease transmitted by rats; it can be contracted by coming into contact with infected water while swimming, wading, or drinking contaminated water.
Rat-bite fever is transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with a dead rat. Salmonellosis, caused by the salmonella bacteria found in some rodents' digestive tracts, can be contracted by consuming food or water contaminated by rat faeces. Plague, a well-known rat-borne disease, is transmitted by fleas in the process of taking a blood meal. Domestic rats are the most common reservoir for this disease.
Other diseases spread by rats include Colorado Tick Fever, a viral disease transmitted by the bite of a tick that has fed on a bushy-tailed woodrat, and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, a parasite transmitted by the bite of an infected sand fly that has fed on a wild woodrat. Some rat species, such as the cotton rat and rice rat, are known to carry hantavirus, a potentially life-threatening disease without a cure or vaccine.
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Rats are considered the second most successful mammal
The ''New Endemic' rats of Australia, such as the Bush Rat and the Swamp Rat, have been present for around a million years. These native rats differ from their invasive relatives, the Black Rat and the Brown Rat, in their physical characteristics and behaviours. Native rats are typically shy and reclusive, favouring dense forest habitats away from human populations. In contrast, the Black and Brown Rats are bold and invasive, often seen in urban areas, and are known for spreading diseases.
The success of rats as a species is evident in their global spread and ability to adapt to new environments. Rats first arrived in Australia by stowing away on ships, and their association with human activity has contributed to their success. Their generalist diets and rapid reproduction further enhance their ability to thrive in various conditions. While rats are considered pests and are often feared due to their association with disease, they are also complex mammals that have successfully adapted to human habitats.
The success of rats as a species is a double-edged sword. While their adaptability and resilience have ensured their survival, these very traits have also led to their classification as invasive pests. Rats have contributed to environmental degradation and the extinction of other wildlife species, particularly on islands. The impact of rats on ecosystems has led to island restoration efforts, including eradicating rat populations to protect native flora and fauna.
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Rats have caused plague-like conditions in parts of Australia
Australia is home to several native rat species, including the Bush Rat, the Swamp Rat, and the Water Rat. However, the country has also been invaded by two infamous rat species: the Black Rat and the Brown Rat. These invasive species, which are known for thriving in human habitats, have caused plague-like conditions in parts of Australia.
In 2023, the north Queensland town of Karumba was overrun by a plague of swimming rodents. The long-haired rats, nicknamed "the plague rat," proliferated due to ideal wet weather conditions for breeding, resulting in a surge in the rat population. The infestation led to concerns about property damage and the potential spread of diseases.
Historically, Australia has experienced several rat and mouse plagues. The "big two" invasive species, the Black Rat and the Brown Rat, have spread across the continent, causing infestations in human-dominated areas. Native rat species, while less commonly seen in urban settings, can also contribute to plague-like conditions under certain circumstances.
The impact of rat plagues in Australia has been significant. In 1993, the country experienced its worst mouse plague, resulting in an estimated A$96 million in damages to crops, livestock, vehicles, and buildings. More recently, in 2021, parts of Queensland and New South Wales faced a boom in rodent numbers, with mouse populations reaching plague proportions.
The proliferation of rats in Australia has resulted in concerns about the spread of diseases and the potential impact on public health. Rats are known vectors of various diseases, including the infamous Black Death that ravaged Europe in the 1300s. As such, the presence of rat plagues in Australia underscores the importance of effective pest control and public health measures to mitigate the potential risks posed by these invasive species.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia has both native and introduced rats.
The most common rats in Australia are the introduced black and brown rats.
Black rats have large, rounded ears that protrude from the skull and are usually a mix of greyish-brown and white fur. Brown rats have brown fur with a pale belly and a thicker, hairless tail.
Native rats such as the Bush Rat are much shyer than introduced rats and are rarely found in urban areas. They prefer to nest in dense forest understoreys and are generally smaller than black and brown rats.
