New Zealand Mammals

11002-18321 Ship rat (Rattus rattus) there are three colour morphs of this rat in NZ. The white-bellied 'frugivorus' morph shown here is widespread in the North Island, but is also present in Dunedin, and on Otago Peninsula. Ship rats are the commonest rat in New Zealand, they reach their greatest abundance in lowland forests, and are found in all forest types. They are also found in parks, hedgerows, farmland, and buildings. Their climbing ability means that their habitat is three dimensional incorporating everything from the ground to the treetops. North East Valley, Dunedin *

138 / 303

11002-18321 Ship rat (Rattus rattus) there are three colour morphs of this rat in NZ. The white-bellied 'frugivorus' morph shown here is widespread in the North Island, but is also present in Dunedin, and on Otago Peninsula. Ship rats are the commonest rat in New Zealand, they reach their greatest abundance in lowland forests, and are found in all forest types. They are also found in parks, hedgerows, farmland, and buildings. Their climbing ability means that their habitat is three dimensional incorporating everything from the ground to the treetops. North East Valley, Dunedin *

Ship rats 18321 New Zealand mammals rodentia rattus frugivorus white bellied roof bush rat feral introduced mammalian pest predator