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Females are sexually mature at 3 months.
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Gestation period is 3 weeks. The female will often re-mate within 24 hours of birthing.
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Producing up to 7 litters per year (6 - 12 young in each). Average lifespan is 1 year.
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Approximate number of young produced by one pair and their offspring:
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Year 1 is about 200. Assuming 50% female
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Year 2 would see 100 x 200 = 20,000
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Year 3 would see 10,000 x 200 = 2,000,000
Given good conditions and a plentiful supply of food their numbers can rise very rapidly.
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Of all the world's pest animal species the rat is the most successful. In spite of centuries of conflict with man and numerous other predators it continues to adapt and survive even in the most harshest conditions.
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Rats are known to spread diseases and are carriers of Leptospirosis, Salmonella, Typhus and a host of others. Rats are omnivorous with a strong preference for grain, fruit and vegetables.
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The most common rat in the NZ bush and in the roofs of NZ homes is the Black rat.
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Norway Rats, commonly referred to as Water rats are more often found living in borrows around waterways and in the industrial parts of our cities. Although both species of rats are good climbers, the black rat is smaller and particularly more agile than the Norwegian.
