The rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster), also known as the rabe, the "Australian Otter" or water-rat, is an Australian native rodent first scientifically described in 1804. [2] Adoption of the Ngarrindjeri name rakali is intended to foster a positive public attitude by Environment Australia.

The rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster) is an Australian native rodent first described in 1804. Having adapted to and colonized a unique niche of a semiaquatic and nocturnal lifestyle, this rakali lives in burrows on the banks of rivers, lakes and estuaries and feeds on a wide range of aquatic prey.

Rakali, previously known as Australia’s ‘water rat’, is an important species in Australia’s aquatic ecosystems. The largest of all Australian native rodents, rakali can be found anywhere in Australia where there is water all year round; the species’ only habitat requirement is clean water and plenty of vegetation.

Intelligent and resourceful, the water rat flips the toad over to avoid the poisonous glands found on the back of the toad’s neck and uses surgical-like precision to neatly remove the heart, liver, and toxic gall bladder before eating the rest.

The rakali was widely trapped for its fur in the 1930s and early 1940s (Watts and Aslin 1981). The species is now considered to be nationally secure and has been assigned an international conservation status of “Least Concern”.

2019年9月24日 · AUSTRALIA’S WATER RATS or Rakali, are one of Australia’s beautiful but lesser-known native rodents. And these intelligent, semi-aquatic rats have revealed another talent: they are one of the only Australian mammals to safely eat toxic cane toads.

The Rakali, or water rat, occupies a unique niche within south-west systems, being the only amphibious or semiaquatic species in the region (feeding largely underwater, but living on land).

The rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster) — also commonly known as a water rat — is a unique, semi-aquatic native rodent. Shy and nocturnal, they are identifiable by their large size (similar to a platypus) and white-tipped tail.

The water-rat (also known as rakali) is an extremely attractive mammal. Its thick coat of soft fur, dense whiskers, blunt muzzle, partly webbed hind feet, and furry tail, all help create a resemblance to a miniature otter.

The Water Rat is a large‘old endemic’ native rodent highly adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, with partial webbing between the three central toes of its hind feet to aid in swimming.