Rakali
Species of mammal / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster), also known as the rabe, the "Australian Otter" or water-rat, is an Australian native rodent first scientifically described in 1804.[2] Adoption of the Aboriginal name rakali is intended to foster a positive public attitude by Environment Australia.[3]
Rakali Temporal range: Holocene | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Rodentia |
Family: | Muridae |
Genus: | Hydromys |
Species: | H. chrysogaster |
Binomial name | |
Hydromys chrysogaster Geoffroy, 1804 | |
Distribution of the rakali |
One of four described species in the genus Hydromys, it is the only one with a range extending beyond Papua New Guinea and Indonesian West Papua. Having adapted to and colonised a unique niche of a semiaquatic and nocturnal lifestyle,[4] this species lives in burrows on the banks of rivers, lakes and estuaries and feeds on aquatic insects, fish, crustaceans, mussels, snails, frogs, bird eggs and small water birds.
Rakali have a body length of 231–370 mm (9.1–14.6 in), weigh 340–1,275 g (0.750–2.811 lb), and have a thick tail measuring around 242–345 mm (9.5–13.6 in). Females are generally smaller than males but tail lengths are normally the same. They have partially webbed hind legs, waterproof fur, a flattened head, a long blunt nose, many whiskers and small ears and eyes. The body is streamlined with a skull that is large, flat and elongated, with two molars on the upper and lower jaw, similar to the water mouse. They are black to brown in colour with an orange to white belly, and dark tail with a white tip.[4]
Long considered a nuisance animal, rakali were hunted for their soft fur, particularly in the Depression of the 1930s, when a ban was placed on imported pelts such as the American muskrat.[5] With their numbers under threat, a protection order was issued in 1938,[6] however they were still subject to destruction permits from 1938 to 1957 due to their effect on irrigation banks and alleged damage to fishing nets.[7] Additionally from 1957 to 1967 a number of licensed seasons were also held for this reason.[8][9]