Norway Rat

Front teeth
One pair of distinctive chisel shaped incisors with hard yellow enamel on front surfaces.

Head
Blunt muzzle with long whiskers.

Ears
Medium ears.

Colouring
Grey-brown above, white to grey below; shaggy bristly fur.

Tail
Short scaly tail, shorter than body
150-215 mm.

Body size
180-255 mm.

Body weight
200-480 g.

Preferred habitat
Shelter under bushes, in sewers and other urban sites, or construct deep burrow systems, make nests of shredded materials. Closely associated with humans, common in coastal urban areas.

Habit
Mainly nocturnal.

Status
Introduced rodent.

Scientific name
Rattus norvegicus.

Roof Rat

Front teeth
One pair of distinctive chisel shaped incisors with hard yellow enamel on front surfaces.

Head
Long pointed head (can be more rounded in juvenile).

Ears
Large thin ears (20mm+) which reach middle of eye when bent forward.

Colouring
Charcoal grey to black or light brown above, cream or white below; sleek smooth coat.

Tail
Scaly tail, much longer than head and body
185-255 mm.

Body size
165-205 mm.

Body weight
95-340 g.

Preferred habitat
Roofs, cavity walls, trees, scrapes or burrows around farms, make nests of shredded materials. Closely associated with humans, common in urban areas, very agile climber.

Habit
Nocturnal, but often seen during day.

Status
Introduced rodent.

Scientific name
Rattus rattus.