Rattus rattus (species)

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Scope note
Members of a common species of rat known worldwide. Despite its name, the black rat exhibits several color forms. As the brown rat, the black rat has exploited human food resources, moved all over the world with humans, and is often considered a pest because it has killed small livestock and native species, and spread certain diseases among humans. The black rat originated in tropical Asia and spread through the Near East in Roman times before reaching Europe by the 6th century and spreading with Europeans across the world. Today it is again largely confined to warmer areas, having been supplanted by the brown rat in cooler regions.
Rattus rattus
Accepted term: 02-Dec-2024