Brown Rat

== Description ==
The Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is a widespread species of common rat. One of the largest muroids, it weighs between 140 and 500 g (5 and 17+3⁄4 oz). Thought to have originated in northern China and neighboring areas, this rodent has now spread to all continents except Antarctica, and is the dominant rat in Europe and much of North America. With rare exceptions, the Brown rat lives wherever humans live, particularly in urban areas.
== Appearance ==
The coloration of the Brown rat coat is usually brown to brownish-grey. However, the animal can vary from white to pale reddish-brown and nearly black in color. Laboratories are known to use Albino versions of this species in research. In addition, Brown rats are bred in captivity and may have various colorations as pet species. Female rats are a bit smaller and lighter in weight than males. The Brown rat is closely related to and frequently mistaken for the Black rat. However, the former is considerably larger, distinguished by shorter ears, smaller eyes, and a comparatively shorter tale.
== Distribution ==
Native to northern China, the Brown rat has been introduced to Eastern Europe in the beginning of the 18th century. Currently, this animal is found in nearly any area, inhabited by humans, occurring on all continents around the globe, except for Antarctica. Originally, the Brown rats used to occupy forests and brushy areas, living in Asia. Nowadays, they are capable of living in a wide variety of habitats such as open fields, woodlands, basements, garbage dumps, and sewers.
== Lifestyle ==
These animals are generally nocturnal or active at dusk, when they dig burrows, prepare nests and look for food. As good swimmers, the Brown rats are also known as 'water rats' and can often inhabit areas near water. Brown rats are highly social creatures, forming groups that are sustained on a dominance hierarchy. Each group has its own territory. Members of the group are usually extremely aggressive toward outsiders. Each group is led by the dominant male, which occupies the best areas of the group's territory and can mate with multiple females. Collective nursing is a common activity in these groups with females, helping nurse the offspring of another female. However, some females have their own separate nesting burrows. Their burrows are located under the surface of the ground, having 1-2 exits along with rooms, intended for nesting and serving as food stores. The area around the burrow has numerous scent-marked routes that are used for foraging and allow them to escape potential threats.
== Diet ==
As omnivorous species, the Brown rat has a rather diverse diet, composed of plant material such as grains, seeds, nuts, and fruits, supplemented with mice, young rabbits, birds, and their eggs, fish as well as invertebrates such as insects. This rodent is also known to hunt larger animals, including poultry and young lambs. It can consume substances such as soap, paper, and beeswax. In addition, this rat may also use carrion on occasion.
== Reproduction ==
Brown rats are polygynandrous (promiscuous), which means that both males and females have multiple mates. The Brown rats are cooperative breeders and may breed throughout the year in large groups that are formed up to 7 times per year. The gestation period lasts for 22-24 days, yielding about 8 young, which are born underdeveloped and are extremely small, weighing only 5 grams on average. The pups open their eyes at 14-17 days old. Young feed upon maternal milk during the first 3-4 weeks of their lives, after which they leave the nest. As these animals practice collective nursing, the offspring of different females often live together in the same nest, cared for by various adults. The age of reproductive maturity is 3 months old for males and 4 months old for females.
== Population ==
=== Population threats ===
The Brown rat is considered one of the most prominent pests around the globe. In addition, it is highly dangerous to humans, due to carrying Weil’s disease, plague, and numerous other diseases. Hence, this animal is persecuted and killed worldwide.
=== Population number ===
According to IUCN, the Brown rat is abundant and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. However, according to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species resource, Great Britain population of this species is around 6,790,000 individuals. Overall, Brown rats’ numbers are stable today, and this animal is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
=== Ecological niche ===
In some parts of their range, the Brown rats are a key prey species for local predators. Furthermore, these animals contribute to the aeration of the soil due to digging burrows. And finally, when foraging, they disperse seeds of numerous plants, thus sustaining the ecosystem.
== Domestication ==
The Brown rat is kept as a pet in many parts of the world. Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are just a few of the countries that have formed fancy rat associations similar in nature to the American Kennel Club, establishing standards, orchestrating events, and promoting responsible pet ownership. The many different types of Domesticated brown rats include variations in coat patterns, as well as the style of the coat, such as Hairless or Rex, and more recently developed variations in body size and structure, including dwarf and tailless fancy rats.
== Fun Facts ==
These rodents are known to spend a great part of their active time washing and grooming. They remain clean in spite of living among rubbish tips and sewers.
Rats occasionally emit a cheerful, laughter-like sound when playing or when they feel happy.
In spite of the poor sense of vision, rats possess adorable whiskers, help them perceive their environment.
Rats are highly intelligent animals, able to learn their own name and perform numerous tricks.
These rodents are stupendous nappers, and as much as 76% of their daytime hours are spent sleeping.
Rats also possess a well-developed sense of taste. For example, they are able to identify poison and remember its taste. In addition, they have excellent memory.
== Gallery ==
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== Main References ==
https://animalia.bio/brown-rat
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