The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus): a fascinating intruder
The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is one of the most recognisable and widespread rodent species in the world. Native to Southeast Asia, this rat has colonised almost every continent with humans thanks to its adaptability. Although often associated with the negative aspects of urban life, such as damage and disease transmission, the brown rat also plays a key role in scientific research and is a popular pet. In this article, we will take a closer look at this fascinating rodent, its history, behaviour, living environment and interactions with humans and other species.
Classification and Origin
The brown rat, scientifically known as Rattus norvegicus, was first described in 1769 by J. Berkenhout as Mus norvegicus. Despite the epithet ‘Norwegian’, this rodent species originates from Southeast Asia. The first historical records of the species in Europe date back to the 18th century, although some sources suggest that they may have arrived in the Middle Ages.
History of Migration
The brown rat originated in Southeast Asia, although it was previously thought to have originated in East Asia. Genetic analyses indicate that it reached East Asia around 170,000 years ago. The first traces in Japan date back to the Middle Pleistocene. In the Late Pleistocene and the beginning of the Holocene, the brown rat already lived in China.
Environment and Habitat
The brown rat originally lived in forests and wetlands and expanded with the development of agriculture and irrigation. Today, brown rats mainly live in human settlements and prefer a cooler temperate climate. In the tropics, they only occur in environments that have been heavily modified by humans.
Appearance
The brown rat is a rather large mouse-like animal, reaching a length of 399 mm, of which the tail measures 15-23 cm. The body weight is between 140 and 500 g. The dorsal fur is brown with black or white spots, while the ventral fur is lighter in colour. It differs from other rat species in terms of body weight, tail length and habitat preferences.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The brown rat can reproduce throughout the year, with a preference for the warmer months. Females reach sexual maturity at four months and males at three months. A female can give birth to up to 60 young per year. The heat lasts about six hours, during which time the female can mate several times.
Lifestyle and Behaviour
Voles are terrestrial and mainly active at night. They dig complex burrows and are excellent swimmers, able to cover distances of up to 2.5 kilometres. They live in large colonies with a hierarchy based on size. Colonies can have up to 200 individuals.
Nutrition
Voles are omnivores. They feed on waste, plant and animal food. They can hunt smaller animals and are known to attack even larger animals. In cities, they often feed on food leftovers left by humans.
Communication and senses
Voles communicate through sound and visual signals, making a variety of sounds including ultrasound. They have a well-developed sense of smell and touch, which allows them to orient themselves in the dark and detect vibrations in the ground.
Interactions with Other Species and Threats
The brown rat is a terrestrial animal, which limits its competition with other rat species. It is preyed upon by various predators and is often eliminated by humans as a pest. As an invasive species, the brown rat can pose a threat to local ecosystems, especially on islands.
Importance for humans
The brown rat is considered a serious pest, but it also has a positive significance as a laboratory animal. Research on it has contributed to progress in biology and medicine. It is also a popular pet, easy to keep but in need of company.
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Summary
The brown rat is a fascinating species with a rich history of migration and adaptation. Despite its negative image as a pest, it plays an important role in scientific research and is a popular pet. Its adaptability and social skills make it one of the most interesting rodents in the world.