Where Are Black Rats From?
WouterThe origins of black rats remain unclear, but scientists have recently determined that they are more genetically diverse than previously thought. Their new research has uncovered six separate lineages that may represent distinct species. These groups are believed to have emerged in Southeast Asia about a million years ago. While it is difficult to determine where each one came from, the scientists have noted that they have similar characteristics.
One theory involves the dispersal of the black rat via a maritime route. Ancient black rats found in the Balkans and the Persian Gulf shared similar haplogroups. In addition, ancient black rats at the Caricin Grad site in Serbia share haplogroup C. This suggests that ancient black rats are likely descended from a local medieval population.
Black rats are omnivores, which means that they eat a wide variety of foods. They are generalists, and tend to feed on any animal that catches their attention. However, they do prefer nuts and fruits as a source of food. They also drink about fifteen millilitres of water daily. These rodents are a serious threat to natural habitats because they feed on birds, insects, and other animals.
However, archaeological data from the sixth to eighth centuries CE indicate that the black rat was a widespread species in temperate Europe. The dispersal of the rat population into the area is likely related to the collapse of the Roman Empire. The western European region, including western Europe and the Balkans, lost much of its extensive network of settlements in the 5th and early seventh centuries CE.
