Rattus rattus

Black Rat at Mawson, ACT

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Identification history

	Rattus rattus	28 May 2022	DonFletcher
	Rattus norvegicus	28 May 2022	KateU

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User's notes

Deceased, apparently from injury. Not sure whether this is a rat or other small similar mammal? Approx 18cm long excluding tail.

3 comments

DonFletcher wrote:

28 May 2022

Identification of small mammals from photos is uncertain. Helps to have: a measuring scale in all images and multiple photos showing entire tail, ratio of tail-length to body-length, pads under feet, nature of ears including how far ear reaches in relation to eye when folded forward, any markings on head or face. I think this is Rattus rattus.

KateU wrote:

28 May 2022

Many thanks - noted for future reference!

DonFletcher wrote:

28 May 2022

Thanks KateU. Dead rats on open grass are mostly ones poisoned inside buildings or poultry runs. Rats or mice moribund from 2nd generation anti-coagulant toxins such as Brodifacoum are a real threat to Owls and small raptors. If you know who is baiting there are alternatives to 2nd generation anti-coagulants such as (a) removing food, sealing buildings, concreting floors, or other environmental changes; (b) traps or even (c) first generation anti-coagulant toxins such as Warfarin.

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