Abstract
Rattus rattus inhabiting an island off Tasmania depend on a supply of exogenous water for survival. Sea water was not accepted, although some animals maintained a reduced body weight on a 75 per cent sea water solution. The kidney appears structurally unsuited for the production of concentrated urine. Mean maximum urine concentration, obtained while the animals were maintaining body weight on the minimum tap water requirement, was only 2847 milliosmoles per liter. It is concluded that the distribution of Rattus rattus in Australia is limited by the availability of standing water or vegetation capable of supplying their exogenous water requirements.
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