Water rat (species: Hydromys chrysogaster) in Lizard Island area: all known taxa (Lizard Island Field Guide)
Hydromys chrysogaster
Water rat


©Anne Hoggett: Hydromys chrysogaster in mangroves behind Watson's Bay, from boardwalk.

©Anne Hoggett: Hydromys chrysogaster in mangroves behind Watson's Bay, from boardwalk.

©Anne Hoggett: Hydromys chrysogasterat Lizard Island
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Rodentia
Family Muridae
Genus Hydromys
Species Hydromys chrysogaster
Status least concern

Colours

         

Distinguishing features

A large rat with a broad face and thick fur covering body and tail. Brown except for tail tip which is white.

Size

  • Size data has not been obtained.

Synonyms

Comments

Prior to 2009, no rodents had been recorded on Lizard Island other than introduced Black Rats that arrived on at least two occasions since 1990 but did not establish populations. A native rat, Melomys capensis, was recorded from South Island in the Lizard Island Group in February 2010 and that species is probably also present at North Direction Island.

In October 2009, people suddenly started seeing small-mammal tracks on several beaches at Lizard Island. It took a few months for anyone to spot an animal and it was then tentatively identified as the native Water Rat, Hydromys chrysogaster, based on size, colour, and its furry tail with a white tip. That identification was confirmed after a frozen specimen was sent to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The population appeared to increase steadily to about 2012 then stabilise. Individuals are seen frequently at night.

Water Rats are good swimmers and are known from many islands around the Australian coast.

by Anne Hoggett

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Web resources