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Order : RODENTIA
Family : Muridae
Species : Rattus tanezumi
Head-Body Length : Up to 22 cm
Tail Length : Up to 22 cm
Weight : Up to 200 grams
A supremely adaptable
species, the Asian House Rat is to be found in many man-made habitats
including agricultural and wholly urban areas. It is omnivorous, feeding on
all manner of farmyard waste and food scraps. It is a fast runner, can climb
well and can jump up to 50 cm.
The fur on the dorsal side
is olive-brown, and the ventral side generally lighter. The tail is very
dark grey and nearly naked. The ears are large and the eyes jet black. Juveniles have a
relatively larger head and smaller body.
The
species is closely related to the European House Rat Rattus rattus, but
recent studies suggest it is a separate species. It probably occurs
throughout Southeast Asia.
Fig 1 : Example exploring a grassy embankment by day.
Fig 2 : Specimen from secondary forest edge, near residential area.
Fig 3 : Searching amongst granite boulders.
Fig 4 : Feeding amongst epiphytic ferns on
a wayside Rain Tree.
All images from Singapore.
References :
Francis, C.M., 2001. Mammals of South-east Asia. New Holland.
Payne, J., Francis, C.M., 1998. A Field Guide to the Mammals of
Borneo. The Sabah Society.
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