Black Rats Rattus Research Articles

Ecological fragmentation effects in mouse lemurs and small mammals in northwestern Madagascar.

Habitat loss and fragmentation are major ecological forces threatening animal communities across the globe. These issues are especially true in Madagascar, where forest loss is ongoing. We examined the effects of forest fragmentation on the distribution and abundance of sympatric, endemic gray, and golden-brown mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis), the endemic western tuft-tailed rat (Eliurus myoxinus), and the invasive black rat (Rattus rattus) in two regions in northwestern Madagascar. We used systematic capture procedures in 40 forest fragments and four continuous forest sites which differed in size, shape, and degree of isolation. With a trapping effort of 11,567 trap nights during two dry seasons (2017-2018), we captured 929 individuals (432 M. ravelobensis, 196 M. murinus, 116 E. myoxinus, and 185 R. rattus). We examined the influence of study region, forest type (fragment vs. continuous), forest size, forest shape, the proportion of 50-m forest edge and distance to continuous forest on the abundance and interaction of the four species. Responses to fragmentation differed strongly between species, but no interaction could be detected between the abundance of the different species. Thus competition within and between native and invasive species may not be regulating abundances in these regions. On the contrary, the abundance of M. ravelobensis and E. myoxinus differed significantly between study regions and was negatively affected by fragmentation. In contrast, there was no evidence of an impact of fragmentation on the abundance of M. murinus. Finally, the invasive R. rattus responded positively to the increasing distance to the continuous forest. In conclusion, the response of small Malagasy mammals to forest fragmentation varies largely between species, and fragmentation effects need to be examined at a species-specific level to fully understand their ecological dynamics and complexity.

Detection of hepatitis E virus RNA in rats caught in pig farms from Northern Italy.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) strains belonging to the Orthohepevirus genus are divided into four species (A-D). HEV strains included in the Orthohepevirus A species infect humans and several other mammals. Among them, the HEV-3 and HEV-4 genotypes are zoonotic and infect both humans and animals, of which,pigs and wild boar are the main reservoirs. Viruses belonging to the Orthohepevirus C species (HEV-C) have been considered to infect rats of different species and carnivores. Recently, two studies reported the detection of HEV-C1 (rat HEV) RNA in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients, suggesting a possible transmission of rat HEV to humans. The role of rats and mice as reservoir of HEV and the potential zoonotic transmission is still poorly known and deserves further investigation. To this purpose, in this study, the presence of HEV RNA was investigated in the intestinal contents and liver samples from 47 Black rats (Rattus rattus) and 21 House mice (Mus musculus) captured in four pig farms in Northern Italy. The presence of both Orthohepevirus A and C was investigated by the real-rime RT-PCR specific for HEV-1 to HEV-4 genotypes of Orthohepevirus A species and by a broad spectrum hemi-nested RT-PCR capable of detecting different HEV species including rat HEV. The intestinal content from two Black rats resulted positive for HEV-C1 RNA and for HEV-3 RNA, respectively. None of the House mice was HEV RNA positive. Sequence analyses confirmed the detection of HEV-C1, genotype G1 and HEV-3 subtype e. The viral strain HEV-3e detected in the rat was identical to swine HEV strains detected in the same farm. Liver samples were negative for the detection of either rat HEV or HEV-3.

Limits to alien black rats (Rattus rattus) acting as equivalent pollinators to extinct native small mammals: the influence of stem width on mammal activity at native Banksia ericifolia inflorescences

Alien species are a major cause of species extinctions globally and the effects of introductions can become substantial, especially once aliens become entrenched and impossible to eradicate. Some entrenched aliens may assume niches of extinct native species that are functionally similar, but the capacity of an alien to perform specialised ecological processes is unknown. Here we examine the potential for the alien black rat (Rattus rattus) to effectively pollinate native Banksia ericifolia in heath at North Head, Sydney where endemic mammalian pollinators such as brown antechinus (Antechinus stuartii) and eastern pygmy-possums (Cercartetus nanus) had been locally extinct prior to recent reintroductions. Using artificial inflorescences, we compared the use of inflorescences, visit frequency and duration of alien black rats to reintroduced natives according to the stem diameter of the inflorescence. Black rats were the most frequent visitor and they spent similar or more time at artificial inflorescences as natives, but they also spent more time visiting inflorescences with thicker stem diameters. In contrast, the native mammals visited artificial inflorescences regardless of the stem thickness. We suggest that, as black rats are heavier than the native mammals, this could limit their capacity as substitute pollinators of B. ericifolia. This finding shows the importance of understanding the extent of the benefits of aliens before relying on them as functional replacements for extinct natives.

Vegetation associations and relative abundance of rodents on St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands

Since the introduction of non-native rodents to the Caribbean region, these invaders have successfully occupied many, if not most, islands where they pose tremendous threats to native biodiversity and ecosystems. The objective of our study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of the relative abundance of invasive alien rodents in different vegetation types on the small Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, which has no native rodent species. We used tracking tunnels (baited ink cards placed in tunnels to identify the prints of animals lured to the card) to determine the presence of rodent species. We collected data in 25 × 25 m (n = 13) and 5 × 5 m (n = 130) plots to determine whether elevation, number of tree species, canopy cover or other microhabitat components were correlated with rodent relative abundance. Invasive rodents are present in varying relative abundances in rural areas on St. Eustatius. House mice (Mus musculus) were not recorded inside the terrestrial protected areas, whereas black rats (Rattus rattus) were detected in all elevations and all but one vegetation type sampled. We determined significant correlations between some of the habitat characteristics, especially elevation, canopy height, leaf litter cover and number of tree species, which showed significant collinearity with 27 of 45 pairwise comparisons. There was a significant correlation between rodent relative abundance and the number of tree species, but not between elevation, number of living trees, number of shrubs, rainfall, canopy cover, canopy height, leaf litter cover, leaf litter depth, or slope. There was a significant difference within vegetation types for the frequency of traps containing rat versus mouse tracks. Our study was impacted by two major hurricanes in September 2017.

Fleas of black rats (Rattus rattus) as reservoir host of Bartonella spp. in Chile.

BackgroundRattus rattus is a widely distributed, invasive species that presents an important role in disease transmission, either directly or through vector arthropods such as fleas. These black rats can transmit a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria of the genus Bartonella, which can cause diseases in humans and animals. In Chile, no data are available identifying fleas from synanthropic rodents as Bartonella vectors. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in the fleas of R. rattus in areas with different climate conditions and featuring different human population densities.MethodsIn all, 174 fleas collected from 261 R. rattus captured from 30 localities with different human densities (cities, villages, and wild areas) across five hydrographic zones of Chile (hyper-arid, arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, and hyper-humid) were examined. Bartonella spp. presence was determined through polymerase chain reaction, using gltA and rpoB genes, which were concatenated to perform a similarity analysis with BLAST and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsOverall, 15 fleas species were identified; Bartonella gltA and rpoB fragments were detected in 21.2% (37/174) and 19.5% (34/174) of fleas, respectively. A total of 10 of the 15 fleas species found were positive for Bartonella DNA. Leptopsylla segnis was the most commonly collected flea species (n = 55), and it also presented a high prevalence of Bartonella DNA (P% = 34.5%). The highest numbers of fleas of this species were collected in villages of the arid zone. There were no seasonal differences in the prevalence of Bartonella DNA. The presence of Bartonella DNA in fleas was recorded in all hydrographic areas, and the arid zone presented the highest prevalence of this species. Regarding areas with different human densities, the highest prevalence was noted in the villages (34.8% gltA and 31.8% rpoB), followed by cities (14.8% gltA and 11.1% rpoB) and wild areas (7.4% gltA and 14.8% rpoB). The BLAST analysis showed a high similitude (>96%) with four uncharacterized Bartonella genotypes and with two species with zoonotic potential: B. mastomydis and B. tribocorum. The phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship with B. elizabethae and B. tribocorum. This is the first study to provide evidence of the presence of Bartonella in fleas of R. rattus in Chile, indicating that the villages and arid zone correspond to areas with higher infection risk.

Serological Evidence of Thailand Orthohantavirus or Antigenically Related Virus Infection Among Rodents in a Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology Endemic Area, Girandurukotte, Sri Lanka.

We have reported high seroprevalence to Thailand orthohantavirus (THAIV) or THAIV-related orthohantavirus (TRHV) among patients with chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Girandurukotte, Sri Lanka. THAIV or TRHV infection is considered to be transmitted by rodent hosts in this area, but its reservoir rodents have not yet been identified. Hence, 116 rodents were captured, and seroprevalences were examined by indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay (immunofluorescence assay [IFA]) using antigens of THAIV strain Thai749-infected Vero E6 cells and recombinant nucleocapsid protein of THAIV expressed in Vero E6 cell. Molecular biological species identification of rodents was carried out by sequencing rag1, irbp, and mitochondrial cytb genes. The majority (112/116) of the captured rodents were lineage Ib of black rats (Rattus rattus). Among them, 19.6% (22/112) of the rats possessed antibodies against THAIV. Also, a lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis), which belongs to the Sri Lankan endemic genetic lineage, was seropositive (1/1). Two Mus booduga and one Murinae sp. were seronegative. Rodent sera showed less cross-reactivities to antigens of Vero E6 cells infected with Hantaan orthohantavirus (HTNV), Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV), and Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) in IFA. These results suggest that the hantavirus present in rodents in Sri Lanka is related to THAIV or TRHV rather than to SEOV, HTNV, or PUUV. However, it might be serologically distinct from the prototype THAIV strain, Thai749, used in this study. This study revealed that black rats and lesser bandicoot rats belonging to Sri Lankan endemic lineages are possible reservoirs for THAIV or TRHV in Girandurukotte. Further multiple geographical studies are needed to confirm the THAIV or TRHV reservoir status of black and lesser bandicoot rats in Sri Lanka.

Morphological and molecular description of Sarcocystis ratti n. sp. from the black rat (Rattus rattus) in Latvia.

Rodents have been widely studied as intermediate hosts of Sarcocystis; however, only a few reports on these parasites in the black rat (Rattus rattus) are known. Having examined 13 black rats captured in Latvia, sarcocysts were found in skeletal muscles of two mammals and were described as Sarcocystis ratti n. sp. Under a light microscope, sarcocysts were ribbon-shaped, 0.9-1.3 × 0.09-0.14mm in size and had a thin (0.8-1.3μm) and smooth cyst wall. The lancet-shaped bradyzoites were 8.3 × 4.3 (7.5-9.3 × 3.9-4.8) μm. Under a transmission electron microscope, the cyst wall was up to 1.3μm thick, wavy, the ground substance appeared smooth, type 1a-like. Morphologically, sarcocysts of S. ratti were somewhat similar to those of S. cymruensis, S. rodentifelis, and S. dispersa-like previously identified in the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). On the basis of 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, and cox1, significant genetic differences (at least 2.3, 4.5, and 5.8%, respectively) were observed when comparing S. ratti with other Sarcocystis species using rodents as intermediate hosts. While ITS1 sequences of S. ratti were highly distinct from other Sarcocystis species available in GenBank. Phylogenetic and ecological data suggest that predatory mammals living near households are definitive hosts of S. ratti.

Alien war: ectoparasite load, diet and temporal niche partitioning in a multi-species assembly of small rodents

Interspecific interactions shape the structure of animal communities, and they rely on a number of multifactorial mechanisms, including e.g. activity rhythms, ectoparasite prevalence, predation pressure and food habits. Despite this, no study has analysed multispecies interactions by combining such a high number of aspects, mostly because the experimental manipulation of studied populations is rarely possible. In our work, we assessed several aspects of interspecific interactions in a rodent assembly composed by three species, by examining diet and temporal- niche partitioning, as well as relevant ectoparasite load and predation pressure, in a natural environment. We analysed stomach contents and ectoparasite load of 78 individuals belonging to all the species, whereas activity rhythms were measured with camera trapping (2200 night-traps, throughout 1 year). Our findings showed that the largest-sized species, i.e. the brown rat Rattus norvegicus was the strongest competitor and may affect diet, temporal behaviour and susceptibility to parasites of smaller-sized ones, i.e. the black rat Rattus rattus and the house mouse Mus domesticus. Larger-sized species showed a broader trophic niche with respect to smaller-sized ones, whereas the smallest species seemed to avoid the largest ones by shifting its temporal activity when the latter was mostly inactive. Larger-sized species may also act as potential predators towards smaller ones, which are also more vulnerable to ectoparasite infestation and to the predation by the only raptor bird present in the study area, the barn owl Tyto alba. We therefore highlight the importance to carry out community-wide studies, to understand interspecific intraguild relationships.

Impact of alien rats and honeybees on the reproductive success of an ornithophilous endemic plant in Canarian thermosclerophyllous woodland relicts

Islands harbor a considerable portion of global biodiversity and endemic biota, and also are the recipients of the largest proportional numbers of alien invaders. Such invaders may jeopardize the performance of native species, through either their direct or indirect effects. In this study, we investigated the reproductive ecology of the endemic scrambling perennial herb Canarina canariensis in remnants of the former thermosclerophyllous woodland of Tenerife (Canary Islands), assessing how two widespread alien invasive species, the honeybee (Apis mellifera) and the black rat (Rattus rattus), affect its reproductive success. Apis mellifera visits its flowers whereas the black rat consumes both its flowers and fruits. Here, we compared the pollination effectiveness of different animal guilds (vertebrates vs insects) by means of selective exclosures and determined the level of floral herbivory. Three bird species (Phylloscopus canariensis, Cyanistes teneriffae and Sylvia melanocephala), a lizard (Gallotia galloti) and two insects (A. mellifera and the butterfly Gonepteryx cleobule) were the main flower visitors. Phylloscopus canariensis was the most frequent visitor in the early flowering season whereas A. mellifera predominated in the flowers during mid and late flowering periods. Birds increased fruit set, whilst lizards and insects had a negligible effect. Rats consumed about 10% of the flowers and reduced fruit set to one third. Besides contributing little to plant reproduction, A. mellifera might interfere with bird pollination by depleting flowers of nectar. We conclude that both alien species can threaten C. canariensis reproduction and hence population sustainability in the thermosclerophyllous vegetation. Apis mellifera, in particular, may become especially detrimental if apiculture keeps expanding, or if this bee becomes active earlier in the season due to global warming.

MODULATION OF TRIGLYCERIDES IN FEMALE RATTUS RATTUS WITH STEROID CONTRACEPTIVE ALGESTONE ACETOPHENIDE (DHPA)

Young female Black rat (Rattus rattus), were administered monthly long acting steroid contraceptive to induce hypertriglyceridemia. It was observed that by 3 weeks of the second injection of estrogen containing mixed type of contraceptive, female rats developed consistent and frank hyperglyceridemia . TG in the treated rats was 195.8 ± 7.44 mg /100 ml as compared to 91.5 ± 6.27 mg/100ml in plasma of the control group.

The prevalence of Leptospira among invasive small mammals on Puerto Rican cattle farms.

Leptospirosis, an emerging infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, is thought to be the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. A first step in preventing the spread of Leptospira is delineating the animal reservoirs that maintain and disperse the bacteria. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods targeting the LipL32 gene were used to analyze kidney samples from 124 House mice (Mus musculus), 94 Black rats (Rattus rattus), 5 Norway rats (R. norvegicus), and 89 small Indian mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) from five cattle farms in Puerto Rico. Renal carriage of Leptospira was found in 38% of the sampled individuals, with 59% of the sampled mice, 34% of Black rats, 20% of Norway rats, and 13% of the mongooses. A heterogeneous distribution of prevalence was also found among sites, with the highest prevalence of Leptospira-positive samples at 52% and the lowest at 30%. Comparative sequence analysis of the LipL32 gene from positive samples revealed the presence of two species of Leptospira, L. borgpetersenii and L. interrogans in mice, detected in similar percentages in samples from four farms, while samples from the fifth farm almost exclusively harbored L. interrogans. In rats, both Leptospira species were found, while mongooses only harbored L. interrogans. Numbers tested for both animals, however, were too small (n = 7 each) to relate prevalence of Leptospira species to location. Significant associations of Leptospira prevalence with anthropogenic landscape features were observed at farms in Naguabo and Sabana Grande, where infected individuals were closer to human dwellings, milking barns, and ponds than were uninfected individuals. These results show that rural areas of Puerto Rico are in need of management and longitudinal surveillance of Leptospira in order to prevent continued infection of focal susceptible species (i.e. humans and cattle).

Morphology and Bait Preference of Black Rat (Rattus rattus) in the University Community in Nigeria: Obafemi Awolowo University as a Case Study

Aims: This study assessed the morphology and the bait preference of black rat (Rattus rattus) in Obafemi Awolowo University student hostel with the aim of controlling the population of black rat in the students’ hostels.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out at Obafemi Awolowo University which is situated in Ile-Ife, an ancient city in the Southwestern Nigeria and lies between latitudes 7°28′N and 7.467°N and longitudes 4°34′E and 4.567°Ewith a landmass of 5,506 hectares between December 2017 and February 2018
 Methodology: Locally made metal traps (cage traps) (Plate 1) contains baits were placed fortnightly in various sampling locations (Awolowo, Fajuyi, Angola, Akintola, Mozambique and Moremi halls of residence) for a period of 3 months between the months of December 2017 to February 2018. The traps were set around the dark corners of the sites in the evening and collected the following morning (6.00am).
 Results: A total of 236 black rats (Rattus rattus) were caught (81 male & 155 female), with the female having the highest weight (238.30 g). Among the baits used, fried fish caught the highest number of the black rat (58%) followed by beans cake (akara) (28%) and the locust bean (14%). There was a positive correlation in the morphology of the black rat caught in all the hostels.
 Conclusion: The black rats in the University student hall of residence were of the same family and genus, and fried fish is the best-preferred bait.

Increased nesting success of Hawaii Elepaio in response to the removal of invasive black rats

Abstract In Hawaii and other oceanic islands with few native land mammals, black rats (Rattus rattus) are among the most damaging invasive vertebrate species to native forest bird populations and habitats, due to their arboreal behavior and generalist foraging habits and habitat use. We evaluated the nesting response of Hawaii Elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis; Monarchidae), a generalist insectivore, to the removal of black rats using rodenticide in a before-after-control-impact study in high- and low-elevation mesic montane habitat recovering from long-term damage from introduced ungulates and weeds. We monitored nesting success and rat abundance during 2015–2016 before applying rodenticide bait in 2017 to remove rats from two 700 × 700 m treatment plots that were paired with 2 nontreatment plots of the same size. Rat abundance was reduced by 90% during treatment, with combined variables treatment and elevation best explaining the change using GLM methods and AIC model selection. The daily survival rate (DSR) of nests (n = 191) was greater on treated plots after rodenticide application (mean ± SE = 0.980 ± 0.004 treatment; 0.964 ± 0.004 nontreatment), modeled nest success increased from 29% to 50%, and apparent nest success (number of successful nests per total nests) increased from 37% to 52%. The most informative model for predicting DSR included the effect of treatment. Predation by rats was documented at 3 of 16 nests using video surveillance, and we observed additional evidence of rat predation during in-person nest monitoring. Rats targeted adults on the nest and sometimes removed intact eggs, leaving little trace of their activity. Our results demonstrate that reducing rat predation can immediately improve the nesting success of even a common bird species in habitat with a long history of forest restoration. Sustained predator control may be critical to accelerating the recovery of native forest bird communities.

Intestinal and Ectoparasites of black rats (Rattus rattus) in Garmian, Kurdistan region of Iraq

Rodents are found worldwide and live close to human inhabitation. They are known as vectors of zoonotic diseases such as viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. Investigating parasites of rats and understanding their life cycles have become crucial necessity. The present study aimed to screen for the presence of intestinal parasites and ectoparasites in black rats (Rattus rattus) in Garmian region. An overall 55 live rats (21 male, 34 female) were trapped from three districts in Garmian region (Kalar, Kifri and Khanaqin). The rats were euthanized, dissected and their parasites were identified. The overall rate of infection with at least one parasite was 61.81% (36/55). Four genera of nematodes were identified; Trichuris muris, capillaria spp., Strongyloides sp. and Trichostrongylus sp. with infection rate 20% (11/55). Twenty four out of the 55 rats (43.61%) were infected with Hymenolepis nana and/or Hymenolepis diminuta. Three protozoa were also identified, Giardia muris, Entamoeba muris and Isospora ratti with infection rate of 25.45% (14/55). The flea Xenopsylla cheopis was the only ectoparasite identified from 4 rats (7.27%). Rat from all the three studied areas carried parasites with no significant difference in term of infection rates. Male rats showed significantly higher prevalence of parasites compared to female. Coinfection was observed in rats and some rats carried four types of parasites at one time. Findings of this study suggest that rats of Garmian region harbor zoonotic parasites which can pose risk to humans and animals. Therefore, actions have to be taken to content the potential of disease transmission.

Habitat use and seed removal by invasive rats (Rattus rattus) in disturbed and undisturbed rain forest, Puerto Rico

AbstractDespite frequent occurrences of invasive rats (Rattus spp.) on islands, their known effects on forests are limited. Where invasive rats have been studied, they generally have significant negative impacts on native plants, birds, and other animals. This study aimed to determine invasive rat distribution and effects on native plant populations via short‐term seed removal trials in tropical rain forest habitats in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico. To address the first objective, we used tracking tunnels (inked and baited cards inside tunnels enabling animal visitors’ footprints to be identified) placed on the ground and in the lower canopy within disturbed (treefall gaps, hurricane plots, stream edges) and undisturbed (continuous forest) habitats. We found that rats are present in all habitats tested. Secondly, we compared seed removal of four native tree species (Guarea guidonia, Buchenavia capitata, Tetragastris balsamifera, and Prestoea acuminata) between vertebrate‐excluded and free‐access treatments in the same disturbed and undisturbed habitats. Trail cameras were used to identify animals responsible for seed contact and removal. Black rats (Rattus rattus) were responsible for 65.1% of the interactions with seeds, of which 28.6% were confirmed seed removals. Two plant species had significantly more seeds removed in disturbed (gaps) than undisturbed forest. Prestoea acuminata had the lowest seed removal (9% in 10 days), whereas all other species had >30% removal. Black rats are likely influencing fates of seeds on the forest floor, and possibly forest community composition, through dispersal or predation. Further understanding of rat–plant interactions may be useful for formulating conservation strategies.

Peri-urban black rats host a rich assembly of ticks and healthier rats have more ticks

The black rat Rattus rattus has a distribution that includes much of Earth's terrestrial surface, and has adapted to exploit both habitats extensively modified by humans and rural habitats. Despite the fact that R. rattus are nearly ubiquitous, few studies have investigated urban or peri-urban R. rattus as potential hosts for ticks. In this study, we identified the species of ticks that parasitize R. rattus in a remnant bush area within Sydney, Australia. We then examined the relationship between ticks and R. rattus by testing several rat body characteristics as predictors of tick abundance. We show that larva and nymphs of five species of native Australian tick parasitize R. rattus in urban Australia. The most abundance species was Ixodes holocyclus, a tick of veterinary and human health concern. We found that ticks were more abundant on R. rattus in better condition, for larva and nymphs of I. holocyclus and I. tasmani. Rattus rattus supports a rich assembly of ticks in a remnant forest in urban Australia, and as the R. rattus in best condition have the most ticks, tick parasitism at the levels observed does not appear to negatively impact R. rattus. Our findings illustrate that R. rattus, and other human commensal species, may be important hosts for ticks in human modified environments.

Notes on the biology of the threatened Island ThrushTurdus poliocephalus xanthopusin New Caledonia

SummaryThree subspecies of Island ThrushTurdus poliocephaluswere historically found in New Caledonia. All these subspecies were considered extinct until 1978, whenT. p. xanthopuswas rediscovered on two small islands, Néba (∼ 3.5 km2) and Yandé (∼ 13 km2). On Néba, we estimated the population at 44–58 individuals. This Island Thrush population is dependent on the coastal forest, the richest habitat for invertebrates. However, the coastal forest habitat has been degraded in quality and extent. The Island Thrush forages in the litter by removing leaves with its bill. Fruits (diameter < 10 mm), picked from trees and swallowed whole, are also a significant component of its diet. Néba and Yandé are currently free of two nest predator species, the black ratRattus rattusand the New Caledonian CrowCorvus moneduloides. On Néba, a low breeding success rate of 15.4% was found. To ensure conservation of these relict thrush populations, two actions at least should be implemented: setting up a biosecurity programme to keep islands free of black rats and increasing the area of coastal forest. The latter could be done by cutting down coconut trees in abandoned groves and planting tree species used by the Island Thrush to provide shade, fruits, good leaf litter, and nest support.

First successful eradication of invasive Norway rats Rattus norvegicus from a small Mediterranean island (Isola delle Femmine, Italy)

Invasive alien species, once introduced, may affect local biodiversity, both directly (e.g. by predation) and indirectly (e.g. by reducing the vegetation cover). Among those, rats (Rodentia, Muridae) are listed among the most invasive species, exerting strong impacts particularly when introduced to island ecosystems. Accordingly, black rats Rattus rattus have been eradicated from a number of islands in the Mediterranean basin to protect breeding seabirds. Where the larger Norway rat Rattus norvegicus is present, extent of damage may be even higher. In our work, we present the results of the first eradication program dealing with Norway rats in a small Mediterranean island (Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, Southern Italy). The eradication took place in 2007-2008 and, since then, no rat has been observed on the island, thus proving the success of the management action. Vegetal cover increased on the island after rat eradication. Furthermore, the Sardinian warbler and the blackbird started to breed on the island.

Patterns of helminth infections in Rattus rattus and Mus musculus from two Mayan communities in Mexico.

The black rat Rattus rattus and the house mouse Mus musculus are two commensal rodent species that harbour and shed zoonotic pathogens, including helminths. The aim of this survey was to study the helminth community and the patterns of infections in R. rattus and M. musculus from two Mayan communities in Mexico. Gastrointestinal helminths were isolated from 322 M. musculus and 124 R. rattus, including Gongylonema neoplasticum, Hassalstrongylus aduncus, Hassalstrongylus musculi, Hydatigera taeniaeformis metacestode, Hymenolepis diminuta, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Oligacanthorhynchidae gen. sp., Syphacia muris, Syphacia obvelata, Rodentolepis microstoma and Trichuris muris. The overall richness of helminths was seven in R. rattus and six in M. musculus. The results of generalized linear models showed that juvenile rodents had lower probabilities of being infected with G. neoplasticum, H. taeniaeformis and H. musculi than adult rodents. A positive association between the prevalence of S. muris and rat abundance was found. The intensity of infection with S. muris was higher in the rainy season than in the dry season; the opposite result was found for H. musculi infection. Male R. rattus harboured more S. muris specimens. The intensity of infection with T. muris was inversely associated with mouse abundance. The presence of the zoonotic H. diminuta, as well as H. taeniaeformis and R. microstoma in rodent populations indicates that there is risk of transmission, and that their entire life cycle occurs in the study area.

Rats About Town: A Systematic Review of Rat Movement in Urban Ecosystems

Norway and black rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) are ubiquitous urban pests, inhabiting cities worldwide. Despite their close association with people, urban rats remain difficult to control. This can be attributed to a general lack of information on basic rat ecology to inform management efforts. In this systematic review and narrative synthesis, we collate the published literature to provide a comprehensive description of what is known about urban rat movement, including information on home range, site fidelity, dispersal, movement patterns, barriers to, and factors impacting, movement. We also discuss the methodologies used to track and infer rat movement, as well as the advantages and limitations of employing these techniques. Our review suggests that the distances travelled by urban rats are location-specific, determined by local resource availability and barriers to movement such as roadways. Although roads may impede rat movement, genetic techniques suggest that rats traverse roadways more often than revealed by capture-based tools, while long-distance dispersal events can maintain connectivity among distant populations. Because rat movement patterns are related to the transmission of rat-associated pathogens and the success of rodent control programs, these results have implications for both public health and pest control efforts. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of understanding local rat movement patterns in order to devise and deploy efficient and effective rat mitigation initiatives in urban centers.