New Zealand Mammals

DSC_6321 Norway or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) group at dusk. The largest rat, and the first Europen rodent to be introduced into New Zealand, arriving in the 1770's. It now lives along waterways (both coastal, and freshwater), as well as in towns and around farms - especially where animal food or grain is stored. Norway rats are omnivorous, with a broad and varied diet. They have been recorded eating seeds, fruits, leaves, lizards, insects, molluscs, crustaceans, the eggs and young of burrowing seabirds, animal carcasses, garbage, and even sewage. Photographed for Predator Free 2050 Ltd *

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DSC_6321 Norway or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) group at dusk. The largest rat, and the first Europen rodent to be introduced into New Zealand, arriving in the 1770's. It now lives along waterways (both coastal, and freshwater), as well as in towns and around farms - especially where animal food or grain is stored. Norway rats are omnivorous, with a broad and varied diet. They have been recorded eating seeds, fruits, leaves, lizards, insects, molluscs, crustaceans, the eggs and young of burrowing seabirds, animal carcasses, garbage, and even sewage. Photographed for Predator Free 2050 Ltd *

DSC 6321 Norway brown rats rat Rattus norvegicus family group dusk largest rat New Zealand town farm Norway rats European rodent Predator Free 2050 Ltd