Often misunderstood, rats are among the most adaptable and intelligent creatures on Earth. These resourceful rodents play a significant, yet often unseen, role in ecosystems worldwide and boast a surprisingly rich history intertwined with humanity.
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There are 56 known species of rats in the world. [1] The best-known rat species are the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). This group, generally known as the Old World rats or true rats, originated in Asia.
Rats are generally slender with a pointed head, large eyes, and prominent, thinly furred ears. They have moderately long legs and long, sharp claws. The bald soles of their narrow hind feet possess fleshy pads of variable size, depending on species. The brown rat has a larger body than the house rat, and its tail is shorter relative to the body.
While many people are familiar with the common brown or black rats, there are actually dozens of distinct species, each with its own characteristics, behaviors, and ecological roles.