Artigenda
World Rat Day
When: Annually, 4 April.
On April 4, it is World Rat Day. A day dedicated to animals that many people see as undesirable. Yet this need not always be the case.
Not every rat is unwanted
Not every rat is unwanted. Think of the rat as a pet. Of course, rats have not always had a good reputation as sweet pets. Not only in the past, they were considered bringers of mischief and diseases. They were also a sign of poverty. Perhaps still are.
Yet people felt it necessary to introduce Rat Day in 2002. The stigma needed to be broken in certain cases. This could lead to change. After all, they are living creatures. In this case, animal welfare should also ultimately come first. Nothing is easier than pissing off animals and then not changing anything. Aren’t humans themselves partly to blame for certain situations that have arisen? Perhaps today is a good time to think about that.
The rat is one of the most widespread and versatile mammals in the world. Although these small rodents often have a negative reputation for their association with disease and nuisance, they also play an important role in various ecosystems and scientific studies.
Biology of the rat
Rats belong to the family Muridae and the genera Rattus and Mus are the best known. The most common species are the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (Rattus rattus).
Physical characteristics
Rats are medium-sized rodents with slender bodies, long tails and sharp teeth that are constantly growing. Adult brown rats can reach a body length of 20-25 cm, excluding the tail, which is about the same length as their body. They have rough, brown to grey fur, while the black rat often has a slimmer build and smooth, black fur.
Diet
Rats are omnivores and can consume a wide range of food. Their diet includes grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and even rubbish. This flexibility in diet makes them highly adaptive and able to survive in different environments.
Living environment and dissemination
Rats are extremely successful animals because of their adaptability. They can reproduce quickly and survive in a variety of environments, from urban areas to rural areas and from tropical climates to temperate zones.
Urban rats
In urban areas, rats easily find food and hiding places. They often live in sewers, under buildings and in rubbish piles. Here, they sometimes cause significant damage to property and infrastructure by gnawing on electrical wiring and pipes.
Rats in the wild
In the wild, rats build intricate tunnel systems and often nest near water sources. They are excellent climbers and swimmers, which helps them find food and escape predators.
Behaviour and social structure
Rats are social animals that live in groups. They exhibit complex social interactions and have a hierarchical structure within their colonies. This behaviour helps them defend their territory and search for food efficiently.
Communication
Rats communicate through various sounds, scents and body language. Ultrasonic sounds are often used for communication between young and mothers, while adult rats use scent markings to mark their territory and maintain social hierarchies.
Propagation
Rats have a high reproductive rate. A female rat can give birth up to 12 times a year, with an average of 6-12 young per litter. This contributes to their ability to quickly form large populations.
Relationship with humans
The relationship between rats and humans is complex and often ambiguous. Rats are seen both as pests and as valuable research models in science.
Disease spread
Rats are often associated with the spread of diseases, such as plague, leptospirosis and hantavirus. They can transmit pathogens through their faeces, urine and fleas. This makes them a public health risk, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Scientific research
On the other hand, rats play a crucial role in scientific research. Laboratory rats are widely used in medical and behavioural sciences because of their physiological and genetic similarities to humans. Research with rats has contributed to important medical breakthroughs, such as the development of insulin treatments for diabetes and insights into neurological disorders.
Rats as pets
Although less common, rats are also kept as pets. Domestic rats can be friendly and intelligent, and they form strong bonds with their owners. They have a reputation as entertaining and interactive pets, who enjoy playing and taking on challenges.
About controlling
Unfortunately, it is still very common for rats to be controlled automatically. This is because of the conclusion that there is an automatic “certainty” that they will spread diseases. That likelihood is indeed present and that causes the animals to be controlled. Therefore, especially in urban management, animal control is a big part of urban management. It is only symptom control. This overlooks issues like waste management, management of (vacant) buildings and other urban planning challenges.
