Long-haired Rat - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Rattus villosissimus

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

Named for the long black guard hairs on the back, this rat is otherwise pale grey-brown. Ears and tail are dark grey, with the latter shorter than the head and body.

Distribution

The species has been recorded over vast areas of western NSW. Strongholds are north-west of NSW, with plagues spreading south and east along river channels. Otherwise, the species is found in scattered localities in low numbers.

Habitat and ecology

Eats roots, stems and leaves of grasses and herbs, especially the more succulent species. Seeds, flowers and insects (e.g. locust) which become available in better seasons stimulate reproduction.
Sustained in mesic, densely vegetated sites. During plagues can be found in virtually all inland habitats.
Following extended periods of above average rainfall or flood this species can breed rapidly. Resulting populations disperse widely, then die away abruptly as food is depleted and water evaporates. Predators rely on these rat plagues for their own rapid reproduction.
Nocturnal, sheltering during the day in complex burrow systems or in a shallow temporary burrow.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Degradation of vegetation and soil structure by rabbits and livestock reduces population size and lead to local extinction.
Rainfall is the most important factor influencing abundance, but the species is restricted to moist refugia during drought.
Predators have little effect on peak populations but can impact on residual populations restricted to small refuge areas.
Overgrazing depletes vegetative cover which is essential for food and predator protection.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Control vertebrate pest populations, e.g. foxes, cats and rabbits.
Apply appropriate fire regimes which ensure natural succession and allow a mosaic of unburned areas to persist.
Reduce stock intensity of, or exclude grazing in, some areas to allow regeneration of vegetation.
Restrict cultivation around remnant habitat.
Retain grasslands and ensure a full cycle of grass development.
Fence to prevent grazing of vegetation and erosion of stream banks.
Prevent clearing of habitat such as nesting sites and food sources.
Revegetate gullies and stream banks where vegetation has been cleared; widen the strip of riparian vegetation.
Survey for stable refuge populations

Information sources

Dickman, C.R. (1993) The biology and management of native rodents of the arid zone in New South Wales. Species Management Report Number 12. New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
Watts, C.H.S. (1972) Handbook of South Australian Rodents and Small Marsupials. Field Naturalists Society of South Australia, Adelaide.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range	Predicted	None
Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range Outwash	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Mootwingee Downs	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Scopes Range	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Bulloo	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Bulloo Dunefields	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Central Depression	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Core Ranges	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Sturt Stony Desert	Known	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Louth Plains	Predicted	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Menindee	Predicted	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Wilcannia Plains	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Cuttaburra-Paroo	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Kerribree Basin	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Paroo Overflow	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Paroo-Darling Sands	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Urisino Sandplains	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Warrego Plains	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Warrego Sands	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	West Warrego	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	White Cliffs Plateau	Predicted	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields	Strzelecki Desert	Known	None

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Nature conservation

Threatened species