Rat attack: Mosman ready for rodent invasion

[depakid]

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/12/03/470bushrat,0.jpg
Grainne Cleary and a native bush rat. She intends releasing them on the lower North Shore to counter its large population of black rats(bottom).
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IT IS going to be rat versus rat in the looming battle for Mosman.

In what may be a world first, scientists are planning to release native bush rats into the Sydney suburb in an attempt to force out vermin black rats. If successful, it could be the opening shot in a war to drive the pests out of suburbs across the city.

Black rats, unlike the more benign native rodents, invade houses, chew on wiring, carry diseases that can spread to humans and wildlife, and climb trees to devour eggs of native birds.

They are thought to have invaded Sydney with the First Fleet, Grainne Cleary, a Taronga Zoo ecological researcher, said yesterday.

Despite their tough reputation, Dr Cleary said preliminary research conducted at Jervis Bay showed that black rats were really "soft" and could be "easily bullied" by native bush rats. "If given a chance to claim territory, native bush rats will evict black rats."

<snip>

Dr Cleary predicted the exotic vermin would retreat into poorer habitats where they would struggle to breed.

She said the native rat, called the bogul by Aborigines, "is not vermin and won't lurk around the suburban neighbourhood".

Mosman had been chosen because years of bush regeneration had re-created the habitat needed by the native animals. It also had "a high density" of enemy rodents. "The black rat is the dominant mammal in the bushland in Mosman."

Dr Cleary suspected many people did not realise they had rats in the ceiling.

"They hear the noise and think it's a possum, but potentially it's a black rat."

More: http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/mosman-ready-for-rat-invasion/2008/12/03/1228257139088.html

[ben_meyers]

1. Oh good, another Cane toad type deal?

nt

[depakid]

2. Cane toads aren't native species

Interesting bit about the differences among the various bush critters:

Is it a Black Rat?

The Australian Museum is frequently asked about mammals visiting suburban gardens or houses. People may think that they have seen a baby Ring-tailed Possum or a native rat species. Unfortunately, in many cases it turns out to be a Black Rat, which is an introduced species and an age-old pest in and near human habitation.

How can I tell whether it is a Black Rat or some other small mammal?

Check 'em out here: http://www.amonline.net.au/factsheets/rattus.htm

[Fed_Up_Grammy]

3. Having a possum in the ceiling is more comforting than

having a black rat?

Who knew ?

[BlueJazz]

4. I've got 3 Ratties. 2 brown and one Silver...They're great pocket pets.