Fauna
Mammal

Rakali

Hydromys chrysogaster

Also known as Water-rat, Australian Otter, Golden-bellied Water-rat, Rabe

Rakali are sleek, semi-aquatic rodents well adapted to life along Australian waterways with webbed hind feet, waterproof fur, and a distinctive white-tipped tail. Active mostly around dawn and dusk, these opportunistic predators forage for yabbies, fish, and aquatic invertebrates, often returning to favorite feeding platforms on logs or rocks to consume their catch. Females construct burrow systems in riverbanks where they raise litters of two to four young during spring and summer.

Semi-aquaticNocturnalMammal
Rakali reference1 / 7
(c) Elspeth Swan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Elspeth Swan · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCommon Yabbie, Freshwater Fish, Water Snails
Predators
  • Feral Cats
  • Red Foxes
  • Large Birds of Prey
ThreatsHabitat degradation, pollution, invasive predators, and drowning in illegal fish traps
HabitatsRivers, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, and coastal beaches
Life span3–4 years
Classification
  1. FamilyMuridae
  2. SpeciesHydromys chrysogaster
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of a sharp defensive bite if cornered; observe quietly from riverbanks.
Responsible observation
  • Observation timing: Look along riverbanks and reed beds during twilight hours when active.
  • Feeding signs: Search for discarded yabbie shells piled on exposed rocks or logs.
  • Keep distance: Avoid cornering wild individuals along narrow stream edges.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…