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Rakali
Sign in to saveAlso known as Hydromys chrysogaster, Common water rat
The rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster), also known as the rabe, the "Australian otter" or water-rat, is an Australian native rodent first scientifically described in 1804. Adoption of the Ngarrindjeri name rakali is intended to foster a positive public attitude by Environment Australia.
Species
Least ConcernRakali
Species
- PhylumChordata
- ClassMammalia
- OrderRodentia
- FamilyMuridae
via IUCN
Wikidata facts
- Image
- Hydromys chrysogaster 17072011.jpg
Show 7 more facts
- Commons category
- Hydromys chrysogaster
- taxon name
- Hydromys chrysogaster
- Commons gallery
- Hydromys chrysogaster
- taxon common name
- Austalian Water Rat
- longest observed lifespan
- 7.3
- taxon author citation
- Geoffroy, 1804
- short name
- H. chrysogaster
Sources (3)
via Wikidata · CC0
~15 min read
Article
13 sectionsContents
- Common names
- Taxonomy and description
- Ecology
- Distribution, range and habitat
- Diet and foraging
- Metabolism
- Predators and predation
- Behaviour and life history
- Nesting
- Breeding and growth
- Status
- References
- External links
The rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster), also known as the rabe, the "Australian otter" or water-rat, is an Australian native rodent first scientifically described in 1804. Adoption of the Ngarrindjeri name rakali is intended to foster a positive public attitude by Environment Australia.
One of four described species in the genus Hydromys, it is the only one with a range extending beyond New Guinea. Having adapted to and colonised a unique niche of a semiaquatic and nocturnal lifestyle, this species lives in burrows on the banks of rivers, lakes and estuaries and feeds on aquatic insects, fish, crustaceans, mussels, snails, frogs, bird's eggs and small water birds.