Rattus rattus

Black Rat at Hawker, ACT

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Rattus rattus 21 Mar 2026 DonFletcher
Unverified 21 Mar 2026 WendyW

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In the open, in our garden.

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DonFletcher wrote:
   21 Mar 2026
House occupants are rarely aware of them but the introduced Rattus rattus (Roof or Black Rat) is ubiquitous in the suburbs and is clearly the dominant small mammal. House Mice (Mus musculus) are also seen. Native Rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster) occur along creek lines but generally not close to houses. When baited with anticoagulant toxins, Roof Rats become moribund and diurnal. At that time householders and neighbours may easily see them in the garden. When moribund, or as fresh carcasses, the poisonned rodents are a danger to predatory birds including owls because birds are sensitive to the 'second generation' anticoagulants such as Brodifacoum. Consequently, it has recently been decided by the APVMA (national regulatory body) to ban these from commercial sale to householders.

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