Rakali
The rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster), also known as the water-rat, is an Australian native rodent. The species lives in burrows on the banks of rivers, lakes and estuaries. It feeds on aquatic insects, fish, crustaceans, mussels, snails, frogs, birds' eggs and water birds. Rakali are 231–370 millimetres (9.1–14.6 in) in length with a thick tail measuring around 242–345 millimetres (9.5–13.6 in). They weigh 340–1,275 grams (0.750–2.811 lb). They have webbed hind legs, waterproof fur, a flattened head, a long blunt nose, many whiskers and small ears and eyes. They are black to brown in colour with an orange to white belly, and dark tail with a white tip.
| Rakali | |
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| Species: | H. chrysogaster
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| Hydromys chrysogaster Geoffroy, 1804
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| Distribution of the Water Rat | |
Common names
Until the 1980s, this species was commonly known as water-rat. During the 1990s there was a push for English common names to be replaced with indigenous names. In 1995 the Australian Nature Conservation Agency recommended that the name rakali be used as the common name.[2] The Australian Department of Environment and Heritage has taken up this suggestion and both common names are now used.
Hydromys chrysogaster
Rakali at the St Kilda Breakwater
Rear view showing white-tipped tail
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Rakali Media
Habitat: Rakali swimming in a creek
Helminth: various species of worms that infest water rats
Yabbies: most common food source
References
- ↑ Aplin, K., Copley, P., Robinson, T., Burbidge, A., Morris, K., Woinarski, J., Friend, T., Ellis, M. & Menkhorst, P. (2008). PHydromys chrysogaster. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2008. Retrieved on 10 October 2008.
- ↑ Braithwaite R. W.; et al. (1995). Australian names for Australian rodents. Australian Nature Conservation Agency. ISBN 0642213739.