Where do rats not live? - briefly
Rats are essentially absent from polar zones (the Arctic and Antarctic) and from very high‑altitude deserts where temperatures are extreme and food sources are scarce.
Where do rats not live? - in detail
Rats are absent from environments that fail to meet their basic physiological and ecological requirements. These include:
- Arctic and Antarctic regions – temperatures below freezing and permanent ice prevent access to water and suitable nesting sites.
- High‑altitude zones above 4,000 m – reduced oxygen levels and sparse vegetation limit food availability.
- Hyper‑arid deserts – extreme lack of moisture and scarce organic material inhibit survival.
- Open ocean and deep‑sea habitats – absence of land, fresh water, and terrestrial prey makes colonization impossible.
- Sterile laboratory clean rooms – rigorous filtration, sealed doors, and continuous monitoring eliminate entry points and food sources.
- Highly regulated medical facilities – strict pest‑control protocols, air‑lock entry systems, and frequent sanitation remove attractants and shelters.
- Isolated islands without human activity – natural barriers and lack of introduced food sources keep populations from establishing.
In addition to these natural and engineered settings, rats do not inhabit:
- Areas with continuous extreme heat (>45 °C) – prolonged exposure leads to dehydration and heat stress.
- Locations with persistent chemical contamination – toxic soils and water render habitats unsuitable.
- Structures constructed from materials that cannot be gnawed or penetrated – metal or reinforced concrete walls without gaps deny access.
Overall, any habitat that lacks reliable water, food, shelter, or safe temperature ranges, or that is protected by comprehensive exclusion measures, remains uninhabited by rats.