Photo
from: Discover
Life
Black Rat, Roof Rat, Ship Rat (Eng.), Rata del Tejado(Sp.), Rattus
rattus
Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive
Media Writer, EYNF/LEF
General
Information:
Although the Black Rat is
now found throughout the world, it is thought to have originated
in Asia. Black Rats first arrived in Puerto Rico and the
West Indies in the late 1400’s as “old-world migrants” on
Columbus’ and other Spanish ships of exploration,. Once
ashore they quickly depleted the island’s indigenous rodents Homopsomus
antillensis and Puertoricomys corozalus which
soon became extinct. In 1877 Small Indian Mongoose, Herpestes
auropunctatus (Wildlife Facts, August 2002) were brought
to the island in an attempt to control the infestation
of the sugar-cane crops by the Black Rat. The Black Rat
is known to cause diseases such as typhus, food-poisoning
and trichinosis. Diseases are caused by exposure to the
rat’s fleas, urine and dirt. Through predation and competition,
they have contributed to the endangerment or even the extinction
of many species of wildlife.
Description:
The
Black Rat has a black to tawny-brown upper body with a paler, lighter-brown
or slate-colored underbody. It has a scaly, almost hairless tail that
is slightly longer (7 to 9 inches/18.5 to 24 centimeters) than its
head and body, for a total length of over 14 inches (35.5 centimeters).
It has 5 digits on each foot and 16 very sharp teeth. Black Rats are
thought to live for up to 4 years.
Habits:
The Black Rat is omnivorous, eating
seeds, nuts, vegetables, fruits, insects and invertebrates. It will
also eat other materials such as soap and paper. It has been observed
to carry food back to the nest for storage. Under normal conditions
the female will have between 3 and 7 litters per year, producing between
6 and 22 young per litter. Black Rats actively hunt at dusk and during
the night. They are social and territorial, sometimes forming clans
of up to 60 animals, dominated by a single male and two or three subordinate
females. Feeding territory is defended aggressively by the females,
but immature animals are allowed to feed at will.
Habitat:
In tropical deciduous forests, Black Rats shelter in nests built
in trees, roofs or other elevated positions.
Additional Information:
Biologist
USDA Forest Service
El Yunque National Forest
HC-01 Box 13490
Rio Grande, PR 00745-9625
787-888-5610
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service
Boquerón Field Office
PO Box 491,
Boquerón, PR 00622
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