Rat Rodents - Wild Rats
|
|
Photo source:
The Literary Rats
|
Rats are true omnivores and can eat everything from grains, vegetables and eggs to carrion. An adult rat is able to eat a third of its weight in twenty-four hours. Large cities are ideal places for them because there are large amounts of spoiled food and places to hide.
In the wild, rats are active year-round and are usually nocturnal. They often occur in large numbers and always follow the same routes. Their home ranges may reach only 50 m in diameter, but for want of food they can travel 3-4 miles a night.
Rats live in groups formed by a male and several females. The dominance within a group is based on size rather than age. Low-ranked individuals are usually denied access to food during normal feedings and they have to forage during the daytime.
Rat Rodents - Adaptations
Wild rats are common all over the world and are very adaptable to any climate. These animals are associated with humans and are found in all major cities. They grow very quickly and their reproductive rate is very high: theoretically a female can produce about 60 babies a year. Rats have an excellent sense of hearing and smell. They are good athletes and can run long distances, swim, jump and land on narrow edges, climb the walls and balance on ropes.
Rat Rodents - Status
Wild rats are considered to be menacing pests and are the target of persistent control measures. In the USA alone the wild rat population is estimated between 150 and 180 million. Rats are trapped, poisoned and their habitats are eliminated, but their population is constantly increasing together with increasing of human numbers and habitation. Rat Rodents - General Information Links
Australia Wildlife - Learn about natural history and habits of wild rats living in Australia.
|
|
Photo source:
A Rat's Guide to Responsible Human Ownership © 1997-2000
jas@pa.urel.berkeley.edu
|
Black and Brown Rats - Offers a brief description of wild rats.
Black and Brown Rats facts - Information for owners of exotic animals, such as rats, mice, reptiles and others, care tips and advice of specialists.
Breeding of Rats - Learn everything connected with rat breeding and keeping.
Discover Rats - Physical characteristics and natural history of Rattus norvegicus.
Learn about Rats - Species annotation and description for several species of wild rats.
Mammals of Australia - Learn about the wild rats of Australia.
Mammals of Earth - Scientific classification of various rats and their status in wild life.
Man and Rats - Profile of the Rat Rattus and interesting facts concerning them.
Norway Rat - Photo of Norway Rat, description, anatomical structure and links to species information.
Pet animals - Rat fact file, behavior and habits of these animals in the wild.
Pet Corner - Many rats and mice links concerning care, breeding and problems with these pets.
Rat control - Description of rats and mice, their habits and habitats, life cycles and control measures.
Rat fact sheet - A survey comparing several types of rats and mice, their food preferences and habitats.
Rat Information - General information and links to informative sites depicting Norway Rat, or Rattus norvegicus.
|
|
Photo source:
The Literary Rats
|
Rats and other rodents - Rat taxonomy, classification and habits are presented.
Rats have Rights - Description and classification of Rattus rattus or the Black rat.
Rats' Photos - Images of various types of rats are available.
Ratty heaven - Rats in folklore and mythology and common misconceptions connected with domesticated rats.
Wikipedia - Provides classification and description of various species of rats.
Wildlife of Malaya - Offers a general description of Malayan wood rat.
Wildlife of Texas - Read about the mammals of Texas, including rats, mice and many others.
