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There are indeed native Australian rats, with sources citing between seven and nine distinct species. These include the Bush Rat, the Swamp Rat, the Rabbit-rat, the Rock Rat, the Water Rat, the Stick Nest Rat, the Mosaic-tailed Rat, the Prehensile-tailed Rat, and the Hopping Mice. These native rats are generally shy and rarely found in areas frequented by humans. In contrast, the more commonly known Black Rat and Brown Rat, which are not native to Australia, are bolder and more likely to be seen in urban environments. These introduced species are considered pests and are known to spread diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of native Australian rat species | 7 distinct species, 9 according to some sources |
| Examples of native species | Bush Rat, Swamp Rat, Golden-backed tree-rat, Black-footed tree-rat, Central rock-rat, Water-rat or Rakali, Spinifex hopping mouse, Western pebble-mouse |
| Examples of introduced species | Black Rat, Brown Rat, House Mouse |
| Native rat behaviour | Shy, skittish, rarely found in areas dominated by humans |
| Introduced rat behaviour | Fearless around humans, active during the day and night, agile climbers |
| Nesting habits | Native rats nest in dense forest understorey, in short burrows under logs or rocks, and line their nests with grass. Introduced rats nest in roofs, sewers, and deep burrow systems made of shredded materials |
| Diet | Native rats feed on native vegetation. Introduced rats are scavengers, feeding on grains, discarded food, fruit, and pet food |
| Appearance | Black Rats are charcoal grey to black or light brown with a cream or white underside. They have long tails, big thin ears, and a round face. Brown Rats are more elongated in body shape than native rats |
| Danger to humans | Black and Brown Rats are invasive and spread diseases. They are also known to bite or scratch. |
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What You'll Learn
Rats native to Australia
There are also several other species of native Australian rodents that are commonly referred to as rats, including Rabbit-rats, Rock Rats, Stick Nest Rats, Mosaic-tailed Rats, Prehensile-tailed Rats, and Hopping Mice. These species are all part of the Hydromyini group and have established unique niches in Australia's diverse biomes.
It is important to note that there are also introduced rat species in Australia, such as the Black Rat and the Brown Rat, which are considered pests. These introduced species are often confused with native rats due to their physical similarities, but they have different behaviours and habits. For example, Black Rats are known to be bold and agile climbers, while native rats are generally shy and avoid areas impacted by humans.
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Rats introduced to Australia
There are indeed native rats in Australia, contrary to the popular misconception that the only native Australian mammals are marsupials (like possums, kangaroos, and koalas) or monotremes (platypuses and echidnas). Rats in Australia include the Rabbit-rat, Rock Rat, Water Rat, Stick Nest Rat, Mosaic-tailed Rat, Prehensile-tailed Rat, and Hopping Mice. These species are all part of the Hydromyini group, with each species establishing a unique niche in Australia's distinct biomes.
However, the Black Rat and Brown Rat are not native to Australia. The Black Rat, or Roof Rat, was likely introduced to Sydney with the First Fleet and has now spread throughout much of coastal Australia. It is closely associated with humans, common in urban areas, and is a prolific breeder, with females having up to six litters per year. The Brown Rat, on the other hand, originates in Southeast Asia and was introduced to Australia by European colonists in the late 1700s. It is more elongated in body shape compared to native bush rats.
The introduction of these non-native rat species has had a significant impact on the local ecosystem and has led to challenges in pest control. The Black Rat, in particular, is an age-old pest in and near human habitation due to its climbing abilities and nesting habits. It is often found in roofs, cavity walls, trees, or burrows and feeds on a variety of food sources, including grains, discarded foodstuffs, fruit, and even pet food. The Brown Rat, on the other hand, shelters under bushes, in sewers, and other urban sites or constructs deep burrow systems.
While native Australian rats like the Bush Rat are much shyer and less commonly seen by humans, they are an integral part of the country's natural habitat and have adapted to life in a variety of environments, including coastal heath, arid deserts, and tropical rainforests.
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How to identify a rat
Rats are frequently associated with disease, a lack of hygiene, and squalor. The best-known species from the genus Rattus are the Black Rat and the Brown Rat. However, there are several other species of rat that are native to Australia, including the Bush Rat, the Swamp Rat, the Rabbit-rat, the Rock Rat, the Water Rat, the Stick Nest Rat, the Mosaic-tailed Rat, the Prehensile-tailed Rat, and the Hopping Mouse.
Identifying a rat can be difficult, especially from photos or at a distance, as there is considerable variation within species. Juvenile rodents, in particular, are almost impossible to differentiate without examining them in person. The first thing to consider is the animal's behaviour. Is it active during both day and night? Is it relatively fearless around humans? Is it an agile climber, often seen in fruit trees, scaling fences and electrical wires, or on the roof of a house? Have you found a nest made of shredded materials such as paper, insulation, and other debris? Have you seen evidence of it feeding on grains, discarded foodstuffs, fruit, and pet food? All of these traits combined are characteristic of the introduced Black Rat, Rattus rattus, which is often called the 'Roof Rat' for its nesting and climbing habits.
The easiest way to identify a Black Rat is by its tail length, as no other rat species have a tail longer than their body length. Black Rats are about 16-20 cm long and are charcoal grey to black or light brown above, cream or white below, with a sleek smooth coat. They have proportionally large, rounded ears that stick out from the rest of the skull and a round face.
Native rats, such as the Bush Rat, are much shier animals and are not found in places where human traffic is frequent. They prefer to nest in the dense forest understorey, sheltering in short burrows under logs or rocks, and they line their nests with grass. The Bush Rat has a dense, soft coat that can range from dark to light grey, through to dark brown in colour. Their underside is light grey to cream. They have rounded ears and wide, prominent eyes. Their footpads are pink, and the tops of their feet have light or transparent hairs.
The Brown Rat, another introduced rodent, has a much thicker, hairless tail and a 'blunter' snout compared to other species. They shelter under bushes, in sewers and other urban sites, or construct deep burrow systems and make nests of shredded materials.
It's important to note that some Australian marsupials and rodents can look very similar to rats, such as the Antechinus and the Ring-tailed Possum. Antechinuses have four rows of small sharp incisors, large thin crinkly ears (often with a notch in them), and a sparsely haired tail that is the same length as the body or shorter. Ring-tailed Possums are much larger than rats, reaching about 30-35 cm in length. They have a prehensile (gripping) tail with a white tip, short ears with a white patch behind, and a variable coat colour.
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Australian marsupials that resemble rats
There are several Australian marsupials that bear a resemblance to rats. One example is the crest-tailed marsupial rat (Dasyuroides byrnei), a rare rat-like mammal native to the deserts and grasslands of central Australia. It has soft, dense light grey fur, a 5-inch tail crested with long black hairs, and grows to about 7 inches in length. The crest-tailed marsupial rat is nocturnal and terrestrial, living in holes in the ground.
Another Australian marsupial that resembles a rat is the bush rat (Rattus fuscipes). Bush rats are native to Australia and are grey-brown in colour with rounded ears and a relatively short tail. They are nocturnal and prefer to nest hidden in dense forests. They are sometimes referred to as Australian otters and are usually found near permanent bodies of water.
The water rat is another Australian native rat that is well-adapted to aquatic life with webbed hind feet and a waterproof coat. They are one of Australia's largest rodents and can be identified by their large size and long tail with a white tip.
In addition to these, there are also several types of tree-rats native to Australia, including the black-footed tree-rat (Mesembriomys gouldii), the golden-backed tree-rat (Mesembriomys macrurus), and the brush-tailed rabbit-rat (Conilurus penicillatus). These tree-rats are mostly arboreal and build their dens in tree hollows, pandanus crowns, or even buildings.
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Dealing with rat infestations
Rats have been a part of the Australian landscape for millions of years, with native species such as the Bush Rat and Swamp Rat. However, the Black Rat and Brown Rat were introduced by European colonists in the late 1700s. The Brown Rat is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and has a more elongated body compared to native bush rats.
Identify the Species
It is important to correctly identify the type of rat you are dealing with, as some Australian marsupials are protected. Black Rats, for example, have long tails that are longer than their body length, while Bush Rats have light-coloured or transparent hairs on their feet. Brown Rats, on the other hand, are often found in sewers and urban sites or construct deep burrow systems.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for any gaps or holes, no matter how small, as rats can squeeze through tight spaces. Seal these entry points with steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing to prevent rats from gaining access.
Maintain a Clean Environment
Keep your house clean by regularly disposing of food scraps, storing food in airtight containers, and maintaining a tidy kitchen. Rats are attracted to food sources, so removing their access to food will help deter them.
Trim Vegetation
Keep bushes and tree branches trimmed away from your house to limit potential access points for rats. They are agile climbers, so reducing their ability to access your home from nearby vegetation is crucial.
Poison Bait
Poison bait is readily available in retail stores across Australia and online. These typically contain bromadiolone, which prevents the rat's body from recycling vitamin K. However, it is important to keep these out of reach of children and pets.
Traps
Traps provide a relatively humane way to eliminate rats. Live traps lure rats with bait and capture them without harming them, allowing you to release them away from your home. Snap traps, on the other hand, are designed to kill the rodent once it enters the trap.
Engage Professional Pest Control
If you are unsure about how to deal with a rat infestation or prefer not to handle it yourself, consider contacting a professional pest control company. They have the experience and expertise to effectively eliminate the problem while minimising suffering for all involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are native Australian rats. There are believed to be nine distinct species of Australian native rats, seven of which are considered native. The most common native species are the Bush Rat and the Swamp Rat.
Australian native rats are generally shy and skittish and rarely found in areas dominated by humans. They nest in the dense forest understorey, sheltering in short burrows under logs or rocks, and line their nests with grass. They have light-coloured or transparent hairs on the tops of their feet, and their fur often extends over their claws.
The most common non-native rats in Australia are the Black Rat and the Brown Rat, which were introduced in the late 18th century when Europeans began settling in the country. These rats are bolder than native rats and can be seen running along fences, climbing trees and drain pipes, and tearing down public pathways at night. Black Rats are about 16-20cm long and charcoal grey to black or light brown above, with cream or white undersides.
Besides behavioural differences, native rats can be distinguished by their light-coloured or transparent hairs on the tops of their feet, whereas Black Rats have short, dark hairs on their feet. Native rats also have fur that extends over their claws, while non-native rats have longer bodies and can get quite big.
