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Click here to go back Details of this species in Saint Helena Status: Alien Invasiveness: Invasive Occurrence: Reported Source: Ashmole and Ashmole, 2000 in Varnham, 2006 Arrival Date: probably 1730-1800 Introduction: Unintentional (accidentally) Species Notes for this Location: Rattus norvegicus commonly known as brown rat was accidentally introduced by humans. It is reported to be widespread and common, but scarce in arid areas (McCulloch and Norris, undated in Varnham, 2006). In 1965 rats were found in Jamestown concentrated in sewers, cellars and other spaces below floor level, as well as in farm buildings, flax, lantana scrub, and in coastal wasteland (Ashmole and Ashmole, 2000 in Varnham, 2006). Management Notes for this Location: Poisoning campaigns were carried out in the 1990s to control rats in towns (Ashmole and Ashmole, 2000 in Varnham, 2006). Location Notes: Impacts: Reduction in native biodiversity: Rattus norvegicus are highly omnivorous, eating plants, invertebrates and young birds (Ashmole and Ashmole, 2000 in Varnham, 2006). They may predate on 'Critically Endangered (CR)' endemic wirebird's (see Charadrius sanctaehelenae in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) chicks and eggs (McCulloch and Norris, undated in Varnham, 2006). Last Modified: 17/06/2008 9:57:30 a.m.