What is the name of a rat that eats other rats? - briefly
The appropriate term is «cannibalistic rat». This denotes a rat that engages in conspecific predation.
What is the name of a rat that eats other rats? - in detail
The term applied to a rodent that preys on members of its own species is «cannibalistic rat». In zoological literature this behavior is described as rat cannibalism, and the animal may also be referred to as a «carnivorous rat» when the diet includes other rats alongside typical omnivorous fare.
Cannibalism in rats occurs under specific conditions:
- Resource scarcity – limited food supplies trigger predatory attacks on conspecifics.
- Population density – overcrowding increases stress, leading to aggressive encounters.
- Maternal behavior – some females consume offspring that are weak or malformed.
- Territorial disputes – dominant individuals may kill and eat intruders.
Species most frequently observed exhibiting this trait include the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (Rattus rattus). Both possess the physiological capacity to digest vertebrate tissue, and laboratory studies have documented instances of adult rats killing and consuming juveniles.
Ecologically, cannibalistic activity can affect population dynamics by reducing litter size and limiting disease transmission, as infected individuals are removed from the community. However, excessive cannibalism may suppress reproductive output and destabilize local colonies.
Understanding the mechanisms behind this predatory behavior aids in pest management strategies. Controlling environmental factors such as food availability and habitat density can mitigate the incidence of intra‑species predation, thereby reducing the prevalence of «cannibalistic rats» in urban and agricultural settings.