Hydromys chrysogaster

Hydromys chrysogaster

(Water Rat, Beaver Rat)

FAMILY

Muridae

Species

Hydromys chrysogaster

Common name

Water Rat, Beaver Rat

Main colour; body size

Brown to black; body 30 cm

Mature weight

700 g

Scat shape, size

Torpedo-shaped 2.5 x 0.8 cm

Location

Cairns, Townsville

Description

This rat may be seen at any time of the day along watercourses and drainage lines, eats yabbies and mussels etc. Body is brown to black on the back with a golden belly, the tail to 27 cm long has a white tip, head is flattish and the ears are small.