 Vlei Rat (Otomys irroratus)
Description: This rat is dark-grey
in coloration with light colored flanks, and a cream colored belly. The
tail is short and bicolored, brown on top and cream colored on the
underside. The Vlei rat has a stocky build with short legs and large
head. The ears are large and furry. The Vlei rat is similar in
appearance to the Angoni rat but is lacking buffy circles around the
eyes.
Size: The total
body length ranges from 23-30cm, the tail around 10cm. They can weigh
anywhere from 102 to 206g.
Habitat: The Vlei
rat occupies swampy areas. Although it favors moist habitats,
grasslands will also suffice if not far from water.
Behavior: The Vlei
rat can be seen at most times of the day and also at night. They build
saucer-shaped nests for shelter above water level, but will occupy
rodent burrows and tunnels in termite mounds. They create runways from
the nesting areas for access to food. Vlei rats forage singly, or in
pairs. Sometimes family groups will forage together as well. Males are
dominant and defend territorial boundaries. The young disperse but
sometimes only over short distances (9-12m away from natal foraging
ground).
Diet: Stems and
leaves make up most of the diet, as well as reeds. Grasses are nibbled
at the base near the ground and then cut into sections to be eaten.
Seeds and bark from trees are also eaten (injuring the tree), which
poses a problem in areas where Vlei rats are abundant.
Predators: The main
predators of Vlei rats include Servals, Barn owls and snakes. In some
areas they are also killed for human consumption.
Reproduction:
Females product up to seven litters in one season. Gestation usually
lasts for 40 days, one to four young in each litter. Weaning takes
place after two weeks, and females become sexually mature as early as
four weeks in age. The Vlei rat can live up to two years.
At Wildcliff: Found
near the Talari stream while mammal trapping during June 2008.
|
