Mammal · GBIF taxon 2439270
Rattus rattus
Rattus rattusAlso known as Roof Rat, Ship Rat, House Rat, Alexandrine Rat
Roof rats excel at climbing, often making homes in attics, rafters, and dense tree canopies high above the ground. These nocturnal rodents use unusually long tails for balance while navigating narrow branches, fences, and utility lines. Introduced populations across the globe have significantly impacted island ecosystems by preying on native bird eggs and small reptiles.
NocturnalOmnivorousAdaptable
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Seeds
- Fruits
- Grains
Predators
- Domestic Cat
- Barn Owl
- Snakes
ThreatsEradication programs, pest control, and competition with larger brown rats
HabitatsUrban areas, agricultural lands, forests, coastal areas, and ships
Life span1 to 2 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderRodentia
- FamilyMuridae
- GenusRattus
- SpeciesRattus rattus
Native Introduced
Native range in olive; established introduced range in rust.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- May carry infectious pathogens and bite if cornered; maintain distance and do not handle wild rodents.
- Why it is dangerous
- Transmits harmful pathogens including Leptospira and hantaviruses through urine, droppings, and bodily contact.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a slender dark rodent with large ears, a pointed snout, and a scaly tail longer than its head and body combined.
- What to do
- Never touch wild rodents, and use disinfectant with rubber gloves when cleaning nesting areas.
Responsible observation
- Pest Prevention: Store food in sealed metal or glass containers to prevent attracting rodents.
- Safe Distance: Avoid cornering wild rats, as they may bite or leap to defend themselves.
- Sanitation Safety: Wear gloves and a mask when clearing rodent droppings or nesting materials.
Predator (c) caroline legg, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator (c) chloe ⋆˚꩜｡, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Parasite CDC/Dr. Pratt / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Martin Cooper, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Species set
Urban Dwellers
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