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Four species of rodents currently inhabit Sydney Harbour and its environs. One, the Water-rat Hydromys chrysogaster, is a native while the other three, the Black Rat, Rattus rattus, Brown Rat, Rattus norvegicus and House Mouse, Mus domesticus are introduced.
Another native rodent, the Bush Rat, Rattus fuscipes, inhabibits bushland areas to the north and south of Sydney including Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park but no longer occurs in the harbour area.
The Black Rat is probably the most familiar to Sydney residents. Black Rats (the name is misleading, as they are generally grey-brown) are frequently encountered in back yards and roofs as well as in urban bushland. Young animals are often mistaken for native species as they are attractive with soft fur and large rounded ears. This species can be easily recognised however, by its long tail (longer than the body) and excellent climbing ability.
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