Know Which Rats Are Poisonous
WouterFor a long time, people in East Africa have suspected that rats are poisonous. But now, thanks to a 2011 paper, scientists have confirmed that some species are highly poisonous. The researchers used traps to study 25 rats to see how they used poison. They found that half of the rats chewed tree branches and applied poison to their hair. They also found that the poison had no effect on the animals’ health.
Some of these poisonous species have distinctive features. For example, the African crested rat erects a crest of hair on its back when threatened and reveals black-and-white warning stripes on its flanks. One study hypothesized that the rat ingests toxins from Acokanthera bark by chewing on the tree and depositing it in its specialized hair.
Some of the signs of poisoning in rodents include collapse, bluish discolouration of the skin, and irregular heartbeat. More information on rodent poisoning can be found at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service. You can also contact your veterinarian if you suspect poisoning in your rodent.
Rats are poisonous to many species, including wildlife. Studies have shown that some rats are more toxic than others. One study found that barn owls contained a higher concentration of anticoagulant rodenticides than the other species. The study also noted that the proportion of these poisons increased from five percent in 1983-84 to 36 per cent in 1995-96. However, it’s possible that the real mortality rate is higher.
