Rattus rattus

Common Names: Ship rat; Black rat; House rat; Roof rat.
Adult Weight: 200 grams
Length (head + body): 150-220mm
Length (tail): 180-250mm, usually longer than head and body.
Fur, colour: Smoother and softer than Rattus norvegicus. Usually black or grey
Ears, hearing: Thin, translucent, large and hairless. Excellent sense of hearing.
Eyes, sight: Large and prominent. Poor sight, colour blind.
Snout, smell and taste: Pointed, Excellent sense of smell and taste.
Droppings: Scattered. Spindle or banana-shaped, about 12mm long.
Habits, habitat: Non-burrowing. Nests mainly in walls, attics, vines and trees. Active agile climber, rarely found in sewers. Rather more erratic and unpredictable in habit than Rattus norvegicus. Less wary of new objects than Rattus norvegicus. Range 30 metres.
Feeding habits: Omnivorous, mainly fruits, nuts, grains and vegetables. Consumes 25-30 grams per day, drinks water or eats food with high water content.
Life cycle: Span: 9-12 months.
Sexual maturity: 2-3 months.
Litter size: 6-10 offspring.
Maximum reproduction rate: 6 litters per year.
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