What is a shrub rat called? - briefly
The shrub rat is commonly identified as the African shrub mouse, belonging to the genus Thallomys. It is a small, terrestrial rodent native to southern and eastern Africa.
What is a shrub rat called? - in detail
The creature commonly referred to as a shrub rat belongs to the family Muridae and is scientifically named Rattus rattus subspecies R. r. domesticus when it inhabits low‑lying vegetation, or Rattus norvegicus in some regions where the term is applied loosely. In most zoological literature the term “shrub rat” designates the species Rattus exulans, also known as the Pacific rat, which frequents dense underbrush and thickets.
Key identifiers include:
- Genus: Rattus
- Species: exulans (Pacific rat) or rattus (common rat) depending on regional usage
- Order: Rodentia
- Class: Mammalia
Geographical range extends across islands of the South Pacific, parts of Southeast Asia, and isolated coastal habitats in Australia. The animal prefers habitats with abundant shrub cover, where it builds nests among tangled vegetation and exploits fallen fruits, seeds, and insects.
Behavioral characteristics:
- Nocturnal activity pattern, with peak foraging after dusk.
- Omnivorous diet, emphasizing plant material but also consuming invertebrates.
- High reproductive rate; litters average 4–6 offspring, with gestation lasting roughly 21 days.
Conservation assessment by the IUCN lists the species as Least Concern, owing to its wide distribution and adaptability. Localized threats include habitat loss from agricultural expansion and predation by introduced feral cats.
Synonyms and alternative common names:
- Pacific rat
- Polynesian rat
- Island shrub mouse
These designations appear in field guides and scientific reports when referencing the same taxon that occupies shrub-dominated ecosystems.