Effect of Diet and Water Availability on Rattus norvegicus (Rodentia: Muridae) Distribution

Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) thrive across Japan's diverse climates, but their distribution is primarily constrained by diet and water availability, not temperature. A study across subarctic, temperate, and subtropical zones revealed that rats in Hokkaido’s uninhabited islands sustained populations year-round by scavenging carcasses, while those in Tokyo Bay faced seasonal recruitment peaks due to dehydration in winter. In Hahajima (Ogasawara Islands), chronic water scarcity forced rats to rely on plant matter, leading to weight loss. The research highlights that protein-rich diets and hydration are critical for rat survival, offering insights into their ecological adaptability.

Yabe, T. (2021). Effect of Diet and Water Availability on Rattus norvegicus (Rodentia: Muridae) Distribution. Rodents. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92307