Species Details

@Alex O'Neal

Common House Rat Did you see this animal?

Scientific Name : Rattus rattus
Family : Muridae
Order : Rodentis
Class : Mammalia
Phylum : Chordata
Other Name : Ship Rat, Black Rat
Habitat : Forest, Shrubland, Grassland, Wetlands (inland)
 
Description : The common house rat can grow up to 10 inches in length, not including the tail, which can be as long as 9 inches.

This rat has a brown or grayish-brown fur on its back, with a lighter underside. It has small, round ears and a blunt snout.

The common house rat is nocturnal and highly adaptable. It is known for its ability to squeeze through small openings and climb walls and other vertical surfaces. It is also a prolific breeder, with females producing up to 12 litters per year.

These rats are found in a wide variety of habitats, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. They can be found living in sewers, garbage dumps, and other areas where there is a ready supply of food and shelter.

Common house rats are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat anything from fruits and vegetables to insects, small animals, and even garbage.

These rats are known to carry a number of diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and hantavirus. They can also cause damage to property by gnawing on wires, pipes, and other materials.

Effective control of common house rats involves eliminating their sources of food and shelter, as well as sealing up any openings in buildings that they can use to gain access. Traps and baits can also be used to reduce their population.
 
Distribution in Bangladesh
References:
description written by:Asad U. Tanvir,Department of Zoology,Jagannath University,Dhaka; reviewed by:Muntasir Akash,Department of Zoology,University of Dhaka;Taxonomic Checklist:Red List of Bangladesh Volume 2: Mammals, 2015, IUCN; information sources:wikipedia,iucnredlist.org; photo credit:Alex O'Neal(www.inaturalist.org/people/Alex O'Neal), photo copyright: iNaturalist.more information please contact with us.