Hydromys chrysogaster

9 Rakali or Water Rat at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

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Identification history

Hydromys chrysogaster	4 May 2024	DonFletcher
Hydromys chrysogaster	4 May 2024	CarbonAI
Hydromys chrysogaster	4 May 2024	Christine

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User's notes

I have put 3, but only one seen at a time, in three completely different areas of the sanctuary. I do not know how rapidly they swim and how far they travel normally, but I suspect this was three separate individuals, and as Shorty was there at around the same time and saw two together, I guess that there were at least 4 individuals present in the sanctuary during that hour or two, and most likely more. Is there an eruption of Rakali at the moment??? The locations of the two not pinpointed on this sighting, were the South-east corner of the main (one with boardwalk - 4th pic) pond, and the Southernmost point of the Weir.

2 comments

DonFletcher wrote:

4 May 2024

That's a lovely looking Rakali, @Christine with its yellow plumage well developed. Not surprised that there are 4, many more than that are likely to be present. They feed on the water birds there among a lot of other smaller animals. Pity more people dont see them

AlisonMilton wrote:

5 May 2024

@Christine Hi Christine, I believe that it is more common to see Rakali between the months of May to October as May is leading into the breeding season, which is actually late winter to early spring but the males are already seeking out potential mates. Nice colours on this specimen.

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Location information

Sighting information

3 Abundance
3 May 2024 11:33 AM Recorded on
Christine Recorded by
Collections
Featured sightings Mammals Rats Rodents Christine

Additional information

Alive / healthy Animal health

Species information

Hydromys chrysogaster Scientific name
Rakali or Water Rat Common name
Not Sensitive
Local native
Non-invasive or negligible
Up to 1940m Recorded at altitude
294 images trained Machine learning
External link More information

Record quality

Images or audio
More than one media file
Verified by an expert moderator
Nearby sighting(s) of same species
GPS evidence of location
Description
Additional attributes