answersLogoWhite

0

The introduced Black Rat probably entered Australia accidentally when the First Fleet unloaded cargo in Sydney Cove. It is quite possible that it even arrived with the Macassan traders several hundred years earlier. It has since spread throughout Australia, particularly in the south of the continent.

However, Australia does have its own native rats. The Bush rat (Rattus fuscipes) has a more pointed head and larger and more rounded ears than the common black or brown rat. It lives in bushland and heath rather than urban areas, preferring to live in the dense forest understorey. It shelters in shallow burrows under logs or rocks. In addition, there are more species of native rat in the Kimberley region.

There is also the Australian water-rat, which is quite different to other rats as it is much larger, has partially webbed hind feet, and dense waterproof fur for which it was once hunted.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What animal sneaked into Australia via the ropes and riggings of ships?

Black rats and brown rats wer introduced into Australia as a result of climbing aboard ships via ropes and rigging.


Which country introduced rats to Australia?

The first European explorer to reach Australia (the first recorded landfall) was Willem Janszoon (Netherlands) representing the Dutch East India Company in 1606. This was most probably the first introduction of rats to Australia. Rats were most likely transferred during coastal exploration when supplies brought to shore.


When did black rats come to Australia?

Black rats came to Australia during the 18th century, likely around the time of European colonization. They were transported by ships and quickly spread throughout the country, becoming invasive pests in many regions.


When were emus introduced into Australia?

Emus are native to Australia, not introduced.


What do river rats do to platypus?

Nothing. There are no river rats in Australia.


When were rats introduced to New Zealand?

The first rats introduced to New Zealand were the Polynesian rat or kiore. They came with the Maori settlers in around 1300.


Were the rats introduced to nz or were they already in nz?

When the Maori people came to Nz, they brought rats along with them so they were already introduced. Hope that helps


Why aren't there native placental mammals on Australia also Why should Australian animals be vulnerable to alien species like island animals are?

There are native placental mammals in Australia. These include some 80 species of bats, and dozens of rodents, including hopping mice of various species, tree rats, rock rats and other native rats, just to name a few. Australian animals are also extremely vulnerable to introduced species. Many have become extinct due to introduced predators such as foxes, dogs and feral cats, while introduced herbivores such as rabbits and stock animals have caused an imbalance in the vegetation in Australia, threaten food supplies on which native animals rely.


Is the Weasel introduced to Australia?

No, because there are no weasels in Australia. There are ferrets, which are entirely introduced.


Are donkeys an introduced species of Australia?

Yes. Donkeys are introduced, and not native to Australia.


When were mice introduced to Australia?

Non-native mice arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in January 1788. There were numerous rats and mice on board, which survived the long voyage, and ruined some of the grain brought over for food and seed.


When was Harmony Day introduced to Australia?

I think Harmony Day was introduced to Australia in 1998