Galápagos Rice Rat, Galapagos
Overview
The Galapagos islands host four rice rat species, a small rodent endemic to the Galapagos islands. Historically, the islands hosted 12 endemic rodent species. Unfortunately, introduction on invasive rodent species like the black and brown rat has led to fierce competition ultimately resulting in extinction. Thanks to Galapagos conservation efforts, scientists have been able to reduce the number of invasive rodents, pigs, and goats to allow for the successful reproduction of Galapagos rice rats. Like other species of the islands, the Galapagos rice rat is largely unafraid of humans. The diet includes grasses, seeds, fruits, crustaceans and even small fish.
Fun Fact
Introduced rats were probably brought in pirate boats at the end of the seventeenth century. *Like humans, the Galapagos rice rat is an omnivorous species that can eat both plants and animals, primarily insects.
