Rats


Identification of small mammals from photos is uncertain. It helps to have multiple photos, preferably with a scale in all images, showing: the ratio of tail-length to body-length; the nature of the ears, including how far the ear lobe will reach, in relation to the eye, when the ear lobe is folded forward; the pads under the hind feet; the fur above and below the body, any markings on the head or face; and the scales and fur on the tail. 


Rats

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Discussion

DonFletcher wrote:
44 min ago
Hi @MaartjeSevenster, thanks for your well positioned and comprehensive photos and especially for the measurements. The only Rattus in Australia with tail longer than head-body, as an adult, is Rattus rattus and it comes in a wide variety of fur colours so the common name Black Rat is highly misleading. Roof rat better reflets its commensalism and penchant for climbing, but it is also widespread in bushland where it preys on birds nests, which the Bush Rat does not. Fur colour of the two species overlaps.

Rattus rattus
JenniferS wrote:
6 Jun 2025
Oh right. Well, I’m hoping our other wildlife gets busy then. So the black rat can also be very brown? (These are not the slightest bit black).

Rattus rattus
6 Jun 2025
Both species have a large range of body size (which overlap). On average, bush rats are smaller than black rats.

Rattus rattus
JenniferS wrote:
6 Jun 2025
The dingos, quolls and powerful owls need step up then I think. 😐

Rattus rattus
JenniferS wrote:
6 Jun 2025
Right. Well that’s disappointing. But they’re huge. I thought the black rats were smaller….

Rattus rattus
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