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Black
rat, ship rat, roof rat, house rat -
Rattus rattus
As their
alternative name suggests, they were commonly found on ships, resulting in their
distribution throughout the world.
Life
span
Up to 18 months.
Statistics
Body length: 10-24cm, Weight: 150-200g.
Physical
Description
Black rats are very similar in appearance to brown rats, but they are slimmer,
with relatively larger ears and a longer tail. Despite their name, they are
typically grey brown, with a pale grey underside, but they may be completely
black.
Distribution
Although native to Asia, black rats have spread all over the world.
Habitat
Black rats are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats,
typically near human habituation.
Diet
They are omnivorous, but are more partial to fruit than brown rats are.
Behaviour
Black rats live in male dominated groups. Fights are common, often initiated by
the females. They are predominantly nocturnal, but they will sometimes forage
for food in the day.
As with
brown rats, they have good auditory and olfactory senses, but black rats have
better eyesight.
Reproduction
Most breeding activity occurs from March to November, and they produce 3-5
litters a year. Females give birth to 7-8 young after a gestation period of
23-24 days. They are weaned after 3-4 weeks.
Conservation status
They are subject to persistent pest control due to
the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread, including bubonic
plague, typhus and rabies.
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