|
  |
Joker - Brown RatRattus norvegicus Joker |
Art by Blotch Colorado |
| The Stowaway
The second ‘joker’ in our card deck is the brown (or Norway) rat, one of the world’s most invasive species. The rat and some of its rodent cousins (including the house mouse) have arguably the most extensive distributions of any mammal except for humans. The rat is a very adaptable and intelligent animal and, as a species, thrives in proximity to man. Despite their name, the Norway rat likely originated in the plains of Asia, China and Mongolia. They rapidly spread throughout the rest of the world in the Middle Ages by stowing away on boats and following human migration trails. The brown rat first appeared as early as 1553 in England, and today, it is speculated there is 81 million brown rats in the UK, making it 1.3 rats per person. The rat lives everywhere that humans do, with few exceptions. Alberta is a note-worthy example–it took the brown rat until the 1950’s to reach Alberta. Upon it’s arrival, the rat was aggressively eliminated by a united effort to remove the animal and over 60 tonnes of arsenic trioxide was spread along the Saskatchewan border. By 1960, the number of rat infestations dropped to less than 200 per year. Currently only zoos, universities, and research facilities can keep rats in Alberta; a fine of $5000 or 60 days in jail is in effect for anyone keeping illegal pet rats. |
||
|
|
||
Endangered Ark
Art Cards
