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

Announcements

4 Jun 2025

NatureMapr is close to releasing an important new feature which we are really excited about.This feature will change the dynamics of how the platform operates slightly and will ultimately expand on th...


Continue reading

NatureMapr update

Platform update

Improvements to data import tool (coming soon)

NatureMapr welcomes Edgar McNamara

Discussion

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
6 Jun 2025
Thanks for the extra pictures. Given the length of the tail (it looks long in the second picture), the size of the ears (will reach the eyes if folded forward) and the clear climbing ability (black rats are very good climbers whereas bush rats tend to stick on the ground) I think its a black rat.

Rattus rattus
821,968 sightings of 22,475 species from 14,170 members
CCA 3.0 | privacy
NatureMapr is developed and subsidised by at3am IT Pty Ltd and is proudly Australian made