Common Water Rat

The Common Water Rat has a specialized aquatic lifestyle. These rats have water-repellent fur as well as partially-webbed hind feet which are key adaptations to enable the rats to swim in water. These species are semi-aquatic rodents and predator that feed on an extremely varied diet that includes fish, insects as well as small mammals. It has high-set eyes and small ears. The muscular tail is densely furred with a white tip. These rats remain active during nights and partially active during dusk and dawn. The rats build their nests in shredded weeds within the banks of water source or can even dwell in hollow logs. The female rats in this species reproduce throughout the year but the peak time is spring and summer. Within four months of birth, these rats attain sexual maturity.