Musky Rat: Photos and Interesting Facts

What is a Musky Rat?

Classification and Taxonomy

The musky rat, a medium‑sized rodent native to North and Central America, occupies a well‑defined position within the mammalian taxonomic framework. Its classification proceeds as follows:

Kingdom: Animalia – multicellular eukaryotes with heterotrophic metabolism.
Phylum: Chordata – organisms possessing a dorsal nerve cord and notochord at some developmental stage.
Class: Mammalia – endothermic vertebrates with hair and mammary glands.
Order: Rodentia – mammals characterized by continuously growing incisors.
Family: Cricetidae – a diverse family that includes voles, lemmings, and New World rats.
Genus: Neotoma – a group of woodrats distinguished by their bushy tails and adaptive nesting behavior.
Species: Neotoma muscosa – the specific epithet designating the musky rat.

The species was first described by zoologist Clinton Hart Merriam in 1889, based on specimens collected in the southwestern United States. Subsequent revisions have identified two subspecies:

N. m. muscosa – occupies the core range across Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico.
N. m. texana – restricted to the southern Texas plateau, exhibiting slightly larger cranial dimensions.

Molecular analyses using mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences confirm the monophyly of Neotoma muscosa and reveal a close phylogenetic relationship with the desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida). Chromosomal studies report a diploid number of 44, consistent with other Cricetidae members. The taxonomic consensus places the musky rat firmly within the subfamily Neotominae, reflecting both morphological traits and genetic evidence.

Physical Characteristics and Appearance

The musky rat (Ondatra zibethicus) exhibits a compact body length of 30–45 cm, with a tail that adds 12–20 cm. Body mass ranges from 0.5 to 1.2 kg, varying with season and habitat. Dense, water‑repellent fur covers the dorsal surface; the coat is brown‑gray with a lighter ventral side. Seasonal molting produces a slightly coarser texture during winter, enhancing insulation.

Key external features include:

Large, rounded ears positioned low on the head, providing acute hearing for detecting predators and prey.
Small, dark eyes set forward, granting binocular vision and depth perception.
Webbed hind feet with strong claws, adapted for efficient swimming and digging.
Prominent scent glands on the flanks, emitting a musky odor used for territory marking and communication.

Sexual dimorphism is minimal; males and females share similar size and coloration, with the primary distinction being the presence of a larger, more developed baculum in males. The musky rat’s tail is covered with sparse hair and a scaly underside, functioning as a rudder during aquatic locomotion. Overall, the species’ morphology reflects a dual adaptation to semi‑aquatic environments and terrestrial burrowing activities.

Size and Weight

The musky rat reaches a moderate size compared to other rodents. Adult individuals display a head‑body length ranging from 20 cm to 30 cm, while the tail adds an additional 15 cm to 20 cm. Body mass varies with age and sex, typically falling between 250 g and 500 g for mature specimens.

Head‑body length: 20–30 cm
Tail length: 15–20 cm
Weight (adult males): 300–500 g
Weight (adult females): 250–400 g

Juveniles are proportionally smaller, with lengths under 15 cm and weights below 150 g. Seasonal fluctuations in food availability can cause modest changes in body mass, but the species maintains a relatively stable size range across its geographic distribution.

Fur Coloration and Texture

The musky rat exhibits a coat that ranges from deep brown to reddish‑tan, with occasional grayish hues on the ventral side. Pigmentation results from melanin concentration, which varies among individuals and can be influenced by genetics and habitat.

Dorsal fur: dense, coarse, and water‑repellent, providing protection against damp environments.
Ventral fur: softer, finer fibers that enhance insulation while allowing flexibility.
Tail hair: sparse, short, and bristly, contributing to balance rather than warmth.

Texture differences arise from follicle structure. Guard hairs on the back are thick and rigid, forming a protective outer layer; underneath, softer underfur creates a plush undercoat. Seasonal shedding adjusts the undercoat thickness, ensuring optimal temperature regulation throughout the year.

Distinguishing Features

The Musky Rat displays a suite of physical characteristics that set it apart from other rodent species. Its body length typically ranges from 15 to 20 cm, while the tail adds another 10 to 12 cm, giving the animal a proportionally long, hair‑less appendage used for balance. The dorsal coat is dense, dark brown to black, and emits a musky odor from well‑developed scent glands located near the anus; this odor intensifies during the breeding season and serves as a territorial marker. The ventral side is markedly lighter, often a pale gray, creating a clear contrast that aids identification in low‑light environments.

Key distinguishing features include:

Robust skull with pronounced zygomatic arches, supporting strong jaw muscles for gnawing hard seeds.
Large, rounded ears that lack the fur fringes common in related species, enhancing auditory acuity.
Prominent whiskers extending beyond the snout, providing tactile feedback while navigating dense underbrush.
Sharp, curved incisors that continue to grow throughout life, requiring constant wear.
Adapted hind limbs with elongated metatarsals, facilitating agile climbing and swift burrowing.

Behaviorally, the Musky Rat is primarily nocturnal, exhibiting solitary foraging habits. Its scent glands produce a distinctive, lingering odor that can be detected up to several meters, a reliable field indicator for researchers documenting the species in photographic surveys. The combination of size, coat coloration, skeletal structure, and olfactory traits creates a recognizably unique profile within the broader rodent community.

Natural Habitat and Geographic Distribution

Preferred Ecosystems

The musky rat thrives in environments that maintain high humidity and abundant ground cover. Primary habitats include dense, low‑lying forests where leaf litter and decaying wood provide shelter and foraging opportunities.

Tropical rainforest understory with consistent moisture
Riparian zones along streams and rivers, featuring soft, saturated soils
Swamp forests and peatland areas where water levels remain elevated
Secondary growth and plantation forests that retain shade and litter layers

Adaptability to disturbed sites expands the species’ range into agricultural mosaics and logged forests, provided that microhabitats retain moisture and shelter. Conservation of these ecosystems preserves essential resources for the musky rat’s survival.

Global Range

The musky rat (Ondatra zibethicus) inhabits a broad geographic area across the Northern Hemisphere. Native populations occupy the temperate zones of North America, extending from the Arctic coast of Canada through the United States into northern Mexico. In Eurasia, the species was introduced in the early 20th century and now thrives in a range of European and Asian wetlands.

Canada: Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, all provinces with suitable wetland habitats
United States: coastal and inland regions from Maine to California, including the Great Lakes and Gulf Coast
Mexico: northern states with marshes and river systems
Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Russia (European part) and the Baltic states
Asia: Japan, South Korea, China (northeastern provinces), Kazakhstan, and parts of the Caucasus

Introduced colonies have established in New Zealand, South Africa and parts of South America, where the animal exploits similar aquatic environments. Adaptability to marshes, lakes, slow‑moving rivers and irrigation canals enables the species to maintain a continuous presence across diverse climatic zones.

Lifestyle and Behavior

Diet and Foraging Habits

The musky rat primarily consumes plant material, supplemented by animal protein when available. Its diet includes:

Seeds from grasses and herbaceous plants
Fallen fruits and berries, especially those ripening in late summer
Insect larvae, beetles, and occasional small arthropods
Fungal sporocarps during humid periods

Foraging occurs mainly during twilight hours, when reduced light lowers predation risk. Individuals travel up to 150 m from their burrow to locate food patches, employing keen olfactory cues to detect hidden seeds and insects. Seasonal shifts alter intake: spring emphasizes fresh greens and insects, while autumn sees increased reliance on high‑energy seeds and nuts. The rat caches surplus seeds in shallow caches near its tunnel network, a behavior that promotes seed dispersal and influences local plant regeneration.

Reproductive Cycle

The musky rat reproduces year‑round in temperate zones, with a pronounced peak during late spring and early summer when food abundance and daylight length favor offspring survival. Females reach sexual maturity at five to six months, capable of producing a litter after a single estrous cycle that lasts approximately 24 hours. Gestation averages 21 days, after which a female typically delivers three to six altricial young.

Lactation continues for 3–4 weeks, during which the mother provides nutrient‑rich milk and maintains nest temperature. Weaning occurs at about 28 days, and juveniles attain independence shortly thereafter. Males do not participate in parental care; they resume mating activities once sperm production stabilizes, roughly two weeks post‑ejaculation.

Key reproductive parameters:

Estrous cycle: 4–5 days, with receptivity confined to a single day.
Litter size: 3–6 pups, occasionally up to eight.
Inter‑litter interval: 30–45 days under optimal conditions.
Breeding frequency: up to three litters per year in mild climates; fewer in colder regions.

Social Structure

The musky rat (Ondatra zibethicus) organizes its colonies around a dominant breeding pair. The pair maintains exclusive access to the primary nest and controls reproductive output. Subordinate individuals, often offspring from previous litters, remain in the group to assist with nest construction, foraging, and predator vigilance.

Territorial boundaries: Defined by scent marks and vocalizations; neighboring colonies rarely overlap.
Hierarchy: Dominant pair at the top; subordinates ranked by age and relatedness, influencing their access to food and shelter.
Cooperative care: Younger members help rear pups, increasing offspring survival rates.
Dispersal: Juveniles leave the natal group upon reaching sexual maturity, establishing new territories or joining peripheral groups.

Communication relies on a repertoire of chirps, squeaks, and ultrasonic calls that convey alarm, mating readiness, and social status. The structured hierarchy reduces intra‑group aggression and optimizes resource allocation, allowing colonies to thrive in wetland habitats across a broad geographic range.

Vocalizations and Communication

The musky rat communicates through a repertoire of acoustic signals that serve distinct social and environmental functions. Adult individuals emit short, high‑frequency squeaks when encountering potential predators, prompting immediate retreat by conspecifics. These alarm calls are typically produced at frequencies above 30 kHz, a range largely inaudible to larger mammals but detectable by nearby rats.

Maternal care relies on a separate set of vocalizations. Nursing females generate low‑frequency chirps that synchronize feeding bouts with their pups. The pups respond with rhythmic whines that indicate hunger or distress, enabling the mother to locate and attend to each offspring efficiently.

Territorial interactions involve longer, modulated calls. When a male patrols the perimeter of its burrow system, it produces a series of descending trills lasting 0.5–1 seconds. Neighboring males often reply with a matching pattern, establishing a vocal boundary without physical confrontation.

Key characteristics of musky rat vocal communication include:

Frequency range: 10 kHz to 45 kHz, varying with call type.
Duration: 0.1 seconds for alarm squeaks; up to 2 seconds for territorial trills.
Context specificity: distinct acoustic signatures correspond to predator alerts, maternal care, and territorial defense.
Ultrasonic component: many calls contain ultrasonic harmonics that facilitate covert exchange among individuals.

Research indicates that these vocalizations are encoded in the rat’s auditory cortex, where specialized neural pathways decode frequency and temporal patterns to trigger appropriate behavioral responses. The precision of this acoustic system enables rapid information transfer in dense underbrush habitats where visual cues are limited.

Unique Adaptations

Olfactory Senses

The musky rat possesses an olfactory system that rivals that of many nocturnal mammals. Its nasal cavity contains a densely packed epithelium with a high concentration of odorant receptors, enabling detection of volatile compounds at concentrations as low as parts per trillion. This sensitivity supports foraging, predator avoidance, and social interaction.

Scent marking, a primary means of communication, relies on specialized glands that release musky secretions. The chemicals in these secretions convey individual identity, reproductive status, and territorial boundaries. Receivers interpret the molecular composition through the main olfactory bulb, where signal amplification occurs before cortical processing.

Key olfactory characteristics include:

Over 2,000 functional odorant receptor genes, far exceeding the average rodent repertoire.
A vomeronasal organ that detects pheromonal cues distinct from general odorants.
Rapid neural response times; electrophysiological recordings show activation within 50 ms of stimulus onset.
Integration of olfactory input with visual data from field photographs, allowing researchers to correlate scent trails with observed behavior.

Photographic documentation of musky rats often captures scent-marking behavior in natural habitats. Images reveal the placement of secreted droplets on vegetation, which correspond to high-density receptor zones identified in anatomical studies. This visual evidence, combined with biochemical analysis, provides a comprehensive picture of the species’ reliance on smell for survival.

Aquatic Prowess

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) occupies freshwater habitats across North America and parts of Europe and Asia. Its body is streamlined for water, with a dense, water‑repellent coat, a laterally flattened tail, and fully webbed hind feet that generate thrust.

Aquatic abilities include:

Swimming speed of up to 8 km/h, sustained by rapid hind‑foot strokes.
Submersion periods of 12–15 seconds; the animal closes nostrils and slows heart rate to conserve oxygen.
Tail functioning as a rudder, providing precise steering while navigating dense vegetation.
Capability to transport up to 150 g of plant material underwater for lodge construction.
Proficiency in creating underwater burrows that maintain stable temperature and protection from predators.

Photographic documentation illustrates these traits: close‑up shots reveal the webbing between toes; side views capture the tail’s flattened shape; underwater images show muskrats hauling vegetation and sealing lodge entrances. The visual record confirms the species’ specialized morphology and behavior that enable efficient exploitation of aquatic environments.

Nocturnal Activity

The musky rat exhibits a distinct pattern of activity that peaks after sunset and continues until dawn. During this period the animal relies on heightened senses to locate food, avoid predators, and interact with conspecifics.

Key characteristics of its nocturnal behavior include:

Visual adaptation: Large, forward‑facing eyes maximize light capture, enabling precise navigation in low‑luminosity environments.
Auditory acuity: Enlarged ear canals amplify high‑frequency sounds, facilitating the detection of insect prey and subtle social cues.
Olfactory reliance: A well‑developed scent‑marking system compensates for limited visual information, allowing individuals to map territories and identify mates.
Thermoregulation: Nighttime temperatures reduce evaporative water loss, supporting the species’ water‑conserving physiology.
Foraging strategy: Primarily insectivorous, the rat exploits nocturnal arthropod activity, supplementing its diet with seeds and fruit that become available after daylight hours.

Observational photographs captured during nighttime reveal the animal’s agile climbing on vegetation, the use of whisker contact to gauge branch dimensions, and the characteristic rust‑colored fur that blends with the dim forest understory. These visual records, combined with behavioral data, underscore the musky rat’s specialization for a life spent in darkness.

Conservation Status and Threats

Population Trends

The musky rat’s numbers have been monitored across North America and parts of Eurasia for more than three decades. Long‑term surveys indicate a pattern of regional fluctuation rather than a uniform global decline.

Recent data show that populations in the northern United States and southern Canada have stabilized or increased, driven by wetland restoration projects and improved water‑quality regulations. In contrast, southern ranges, especially in the southeastern United States, exhibit modest declines linked to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urban development.

Key observations:

Northern habitats: 1990‑2000: slight decrease; 2001‑2020: 12 % rise in breeding pairs.
Southern habitats: 1990‑2000: stable; 2001‑2020: 8 % reduction in observed densities.
Eastern Europe: 1995‑2015: 15 % drop, correlating with drainage of floodplain marshes.
Western Europe: 2000‑2020: 5 % growth following re‑wetting initiatives.

Factors influencing these trends include:

Availability of emergent vegetation for nest building.
Water‑level stability, which affects food resources such as aquatic insects and plant tubers.
Predation pressure from introduced mustelids in some regions.
Climate‑induced alterations in ice cover duration, affecting winter survival rates.

Overall, the species demonstrates resilience where habitat management aligns with its ecological requirements, while areas lacking such interventions experience measurable population contraction. Continued monitoring and targeted conservation actions remain essential for maintaining the musky rat’s regional stability.

Major Threats

The musky rat faces several significant threats that jeopardize its survival across its native range.

Habitat destruction – Urban expansion, agricultural conversion, and infrastructure projects fragment and eliminate the dense vegetation and wetland areas the species depends on for shelter and foraging.
Predation pressure – Increased numbers of feral cats, dogs, and introduced mustelids raise mortality rates, especially for juveniles.
Disease transmission – Parasites such as hantavirus and ectoparasites spread more readily in disturbed environments, leading to higher infection prevalence.
Climate variability – Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns alter the availability of moist microhabitats, reducing suitable breeding sites.
Invasive competitors – Non‑native rodent species compete for food resources and may displace musky rats from optimal territories.
Human persecution – Misidentification as agricultural pests results in intentional trapping and poisoning in some regions.

Collectively, these factors diminish population stability and increase the risk of local extirpations. Conservation actions must address habitat protection, control of invasive predators, disease monitoring, and public education to mitigate the identified threats.

Conservation Efforts

The musky rat, a nocturnal rodent native to Southeast Asian wetlands, faces rapid habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development. Deforestation and water pollution reduce the availability of dense vegetation and soft soil, essential for burrowing and foraging. Population surveys indicate a decline of approximately 30 % over the past decade, prompting inclusion in regional red‑list assessments.

Conservation programs address the species through habitat protection, community engagement, and scientific monitoring. Key actions include:

Designation of protected wetland corridors that connect fragmented habitats, allowing natural movement and genetic exchange.
Restoration of degraded marshes using native plant species to reestablish suitable cover and food sources.
Implementation of community‑based stewardship schemes, providing training and incentives for local farmers to adopt low‑impact land‑use practices.
Deployment of camera traps and acoustic sensors to collect data on population density, distribution, and seasonal activity patterns.
Collaboration with academic institutions to study reproductive biology and develop captive‑breeding protocols for potential reintroduction.

Funding is secured through governmental grants, international biodiversity funds, and private donations. Regular reporting to stakeholders ensures transparency and facilitates adaptive management, adjusting strategies in response to monitoring results. These coordinated efforts aim to stabilize musky rat populations and preserve the ecological functions they support within wetland ecosystems.

Fascinating Facts

Longevity

The musky rat (Cricetomys sp.) typically lives 2–3 years in the wild, with individuals in protected environments reaching 4–5 years. Laboratory populations demonstrate a median lifespan of 3.8 years, reflecting reduced predation and stable nutrition.

Longevity varies according to several measurable factors:

Diet quality: High‑protein, low‑contaminant feed correlates with increased survival rates.
Habitat stability: Sheltered burrows and limited exposure to extreme temperatures extend life expectancy.
Genetic line: Certain lineages exhibit slower senescence, identifiable through mitochondrial DNA analysis.
Health management: Routine veterinary care, including parasite control, adds up to 12 months to average lifespan.

The longest documented musky rat, recorded in a zoological collection, survived 6 years and 4 months. This outlier aligns with the combination of optimal diet, climate‑controlled housing, and proactive health monitoring.

Research on musky rat longevity informs broader rodent aging studies. Extended lifespans under captive conditions provide a baseline for evaluating the effects of caloric restriction, oxidative stress, and telomere dynamics, offering insights applicable to mammalian gerontology.

Unconventional Prey

The musky rat, a semi‑aquatic rodent native to Southeast Asian wetlands, displays a diet that extends far beyond typical vegetation and small invertebrates. Field observations and camera traps have documented consumption of prey items that are rarely associated with rodent foraging behavior.

Juvenile fish such as gobies and minnows, captured during nocturnal forays along shallow water margins.
Amphibian larvae, including tadpoles of rice field frogs, taken from flooded rice paddies.
Small reptiles, notably juvenile turtles and skinks, seized when they wander onto exposed mudflats.
Crustaceans beyond the usual freshwater shrimp, such as freshwater crabs and water beetle larvae, removed from submerged vegetation.
Invertebrate eggs, particularly those of aquatic insects, harvested directly from egg masses attached to plant stems.

These dietary choices reflect opportunistic hunting tactics. The musky rat employs its sensitive whiskers and strong forelimbs to detect and manipulate slippery or armored prey. Observations indicate a preference for prey that are abundant during the rainy season, suggesting a seasonal shift in feeding strategy. The ability to exploit such unconventional food sources contributes to the species’ resilience in fluctuating wetland environments.

Cultural Significance

The musky rat holds a distinct place in the cultural narratives of several South‑American indigenous groups. Oral histories from the Amazon basin portray the animal as a messenger between the human realm and the spirit world, often featuring it in cautionary tales that emphasize respect for forest resources. Artifacts such as woven textiles and ceremonial masks frequently incorporate stylized musky rat motifs, indicating its symbolic association with agility and nocturnal vigilance.

In contemporary popular culture, the musky rat appears in regional literature, wildlife documentaries, and promotional tourism materials. Photographic series and short films highlight the creature’s unique scent glands, using the visual contrast between its sleek fur and the dense understory to evoke a sense of mystery. These media representations contribute to a broader public awareness that supports ecotourism initiatives and encourages local conservation funding.

Academic research frequently cites the musky rat as a case study for examining human‑wildlife relationships. Ethnobiologists document how traditional hunting practices incorporate specific rituals designed to honor the animal’s perceived spiritual role, thereby reinforcing community cohesion and sustainable resource use.

Key cultural expressions involving the musky rat include:

Folkloric legends describing the animal as a guide for lost travelers.
Decorative motifs on ceremonial garments of riverine peoples.
Inclusion in regional branding for eco‑lodges and wildlife tours.
References in contemporary literature that explore themes of adaptation and resilience.

Photography Tips for Capturing Musky Rats

Best Time for Observation

The musky rat is most active during low‑light periods, making these intervals optimal for observation and photography. Early morning, just before sunrise, offers cool temperatures and subdued illumination that reveal the animal’s subtle coloration without harsh shadows. Late afternoon, as daylight wanes, provides similar conditions, allowing the rat’s scent glands to be visible when they are most active.

Nighttime presents the highest activity levels. The species emerges from burrows after dusk, engaging in foraging and social behaviors. A red‑filtered light source minimizes disturbance while highlighting the musky rat’s glossy fur and distinctive tail markings. Observers should employ motion‑triggered cameras or infrared equipment to capture clear images without influencing natural behavior.

Key periods for field study:

Pre‑dawn (30–60 minutes before sunrise) – low ambient light, increased movement as the rat prepares for daytime.
Dusk (30 minutes after sunset) – peak foraging activity, heightened social interactions.
Full moon nights – enhanced visibility, though some individuals may reduce activity to avoid predators.
Seasonal shifts – spring and early summer bring higher reproductive activity, increasing sighting frequency.

Plan observations around these windows, adjust equipment for low‑light performance, and position cameras near known burrow entrances to maximize encounter rates.

Essential Camera Gear

Photographing the elusive musky rat requires equipment that captures fine detail, low‑light performance, and rapid response. Selecting the right gear ensures sharp, well‑exposed images that reveal the animal’s distinctive coat and behavior.

Camera body – Full‑frame or high‑resolution APS‑C sensor with excellent high‑ISO handling; fast, accurate autofocus system; silent or electronic shutter mode to minimize disturbance.
Lens – 100‑200 mm telephoto with a wide maximum aperture (f/2.8 or faster) for shallow depth of field and sufficient reach; macro lens (90‑105 mm) for close‑up shots of whiskers and facial features.
Tripod or monopod – Sturdy, lightweight carbon‑fiber model with a fluid head for smooth panning and steady framing in uneven terrain.
Lighting – Portable LED panels with adjustable intensity and color temperature; optional diffusers to soften harsh shadows when shooting at dawn or dusk.
Remote shutter release – Wired or wireless trigger to eliminate camera shake during long exposures or burst shooting.
Memory and power – High‑capacity UHS‑II SD cards for rapid data writing; spare batteries rated for cold environments, as low temperatures reduce runtime.
Protective accessories – Weather‑sealed housing or rain cover for sudden precipitation; lens hood to reduce flare from low‑sun angles.

Each component contributes to reliable performance under the variable conditions typical of musky rat habitats. Pairing a fast telephoto lens with a low‑noise body, supported by stable mounting and controlled lighting, produces images that capture both the animal’s subtle textures and its dynamic movements.

Ethical Photography Practices

Ethical photography of musky rats demands respect for the animals’ welfare and accurate representation of their behavior. Photographers must avoid actions that cause stress, injury, or disruption of natural activities. Maintaining a safe distance and using appropriate lenses reduce the need for direct contact, preserving the subjects’ natural state.

Key practices include:

Minimize disturbance: Limit time spent near a burrow, keep movements calm, and refrain from triggering defensive responses.
Use non‑invasive equipment: Prefer silent shutters, natural lighting, and telephoto optics to capture detail without approaching the creature.
Obtain proper permissions: Secure permits from wildlife authorities and respect private land boundaries before entering habitats.
Document context accurately: Record location, time, and environmental conditions to provide reliable data alongside the image.
Protect image integrity: Avoid digital manipulation that misrepresents size, coloration, or behavior; any adjustments should be limited to exposure and color balance.
Share responsibly: Release photographs with clear attribution, avoid sensationalism, and consider the impact of distribution on public perception of the species.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures that visual content contributes to scientific knowledge and public appreciation while safeguarding the musky rat’s ecological niche.