"Rat" - what is it, definition of the term
The term «Rat» designates a medium‑sized, omnivorous rodent of the genus Rattus, distinguished by a stout body, pointed snout, and a tail roughly equal to the torso; principal species such as Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus thrive in urban and rural habitats, reproduce rapidly, and act as vectors for a range of pathogens, while sharing core morphological traits with smaller murine relatives.
Detailed information
The rodent belonging to the genus Rattus is a medium‑sized mammal characterized by a pointed snout, sharp incisors, and a highly adaptable physiology. Adult individuals typically weigh between 150 g and 500 g, with body length ranging from 15 cm to 25 cm, excluding the tail, which often equals or exceeds body length.
Taxonomic classification places this species within the order Rodentia, family Muridae. Two most widespread species are the brown variant (Rattus norvegicus) and the black variant (Rattus rufus). Both exhibit nocturnal activity patterns, high reproductive rates, and omnivorous diets.
Key biological traits include:
- Rapid gestation of approximately 21 days.
- Litter sizes from 5 to 12 offspring.
- Sexual maturity reached at 5 weeks for females, 6 weeks for males.
- Lifespan in the wild rarely exceeding 2 years, extended under laboratory conditions.
Habitat preferences encompass urban environments, agricultural fields, and natural ecosystems such as forests and wetlands. Adaptability to human‑altered landscapes results in frequent proximity to food storage facilities, sewage systems, and waste deposits.
Health implications arise from the rodent’s capacity to transmit pathogens, including bacterial agents (Leptospira spp., Salmonella spp.), viral agents (hantavirus, arenaviruses), and parasitic organisms (trematodes, cestodes). Contamination of food and water supplies constitutes the primary route of infection for humans and domestic animals.
Control strategies focus on:
- Environmental sanitation to eliminate shelter and food sources.
- Mechanical trapping using snap or live‑capture devices.
- Chemical rodenticides applied according to integrated pest‑management guidelines.
- Biological deterrents, such as predatory birds or feral cat populations, where appropriate.
Monitoring programs employ bait stations, tracking plates, and population density surveys to assess effectiveness of interventions and to guide adaptive management decisions.