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Overview

PHOTOGRAPHY OF SMAL MAMMALS FOR IDENTIFICATION

Most photos of small terrestrial mammals submitted to Canberra Nature Map for identification that were photographed in the Canberra suburban area are of a Black Rat (Rattus rattus).  The next most likely species is the House Mouse (Mus musculus). Outside the city, at present, photos of Black Rats outnumber all other small mammal photos combined. However you may have found something different.  Here are some tips for what to include in your photos to increase the potential for correct identification:

  • An image that is sharp, not blurry;
  • A scale;
  • A view of the whole animal (preferably stretched out if it is a carcass);
  • Views of every surface -  (not always possible but ideally this includes a profile of the head, good views of the ears, the belly, the pads on the hind feet, and a good view of the fur and  skin on the tail from below and above);
  • Views of the teeth; and
  • A count of the number of teats.

8 species

Hydromys chrysogaster (Rakali or Water Rat)

Hydromys chrysogaster
Hydromys chrysogaster
Hydromys chrysogaster
Hydromys chrysogaster
Hydromys chrysogaster
Hydromys chrysogaster

Mus musculus (House Mouse)

Mus musculus
Mus musculus
Mus musculus
Mus musculus
Mus musculus
Mus musculus

Pseudomys novaehollandiae (New Holland Mouse)

Rattus fuscipes (Bush Rat)

Rattus fuscipes
Rattus fuscipes
Rattus fuscipes
Rattus fuscipes

Rattus lutreolus (Swamp Rat)

Rattus lutreolus Ears small
Rattus lutreolus Tail length about two thirds head and body length.
Rattus lutreolus
Rattus lutreolus
Rattus lutreolus
Rattus lutreolus

Rattus norvegicus (Brown Rat)

Rattus norvegicus
Rattus norvegicus
Rattus norvegicus
Rattus norvegicus
Rattus norvegicus
Rattus norvegicus

Rattus or Mastacomys sp. (genus) (An unidentified rat species)

Rattus or Mastacomys sp. (genus)
Rattus or Mastacomys sp. (genus)
Rattus or Mastacomys sp. (genus)
Rattus or Mastacomys sp. (genus)

Rattus rattus (Black Rat)

Rattus rattus
Rattus rattus
Rattus rattus
Rattus rattus
Rattus rattus
Rattus rattus

Conservation Level

  • All conservation levels (change?)

Invasiveness

  • All invasiveness levels (change?)

Rodents

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