Rats are one of the largest species of rodents on our planet. Most species do not exceed body length more than 15-20 cm. But there are also such rodents that can reach a length of quite impressive dimensions. Some of them are distributed around the world( Pasyuk), others are on the verge of extinction( Kangaroo rats), while others were relatively recently discovered by researchers( Papuan rats).
The ranking includes the largest rats in the world.
10
Black rat 28 centimeters
The black rat is one of the smallest rats in the world. With a body length of 22 centimeters, its tail can reach a length of 28 cm. It is a thermophilic species that chooses a habitat for itself forests and thickets of shrubs. In addition, rodents can often be found on ships. This species does not dig holes, but settles in the wild on trees where it builds nests. It is a very common species that has spread throughout the globe, excluding the northern part. The rat feeds on seeds and fruits of trees.
9
Turkestan rat 21 centimeter
The Turkestan rat is of medium size. The body of the rodent can reach 25 centimeters, the tail 21 centimeters, but is usually equal to the length of the body. Outwardly it resembles a pasyuk, but much smaller than it. The animal chooses its habitat for forest and mountain areas. The animal very much likes to eat fruits of walnuts, apricot bones and shell. In the winter, most of the population moves to human housing. The species is widespread in the foothills of Central Asia.
8
Standard 30 centimeters
The standard is the most common type of ornamental rats in the world. The length of the animal's body can be up to 30 centimeters, the length of the tail is 20 cm. This breed is the ancestor of all existing types of ornamental rats. The animal has an elongated, massive body, a proportional length of the paws and a short, smooth coat. Home rats are clean and carefully take care of themselves. In food, animals are not fastidious, they feed on vegetables, grain crops, fruits and even meat products.
7
Musk kangaroos 35 centimeters
Musk kangaroos ( Zepkonog) externally resembles a common rat. All the limbs of the hook are proportionate and have weak, small claws. The maximum size of the tusk of a musk kangaroo can reach 35 centimeters with a tail length of 12 cm. The zepkonogi prefer to dwell in dense thickets near the reservoirs. The smell of musk, peculiar to the animals, caused the name of the species - musk kangaroos. Females have an excrement bag, where they carry their cubs for several months. The animal can move quickly on the surface of the earth, and climb trees. As food they choose insects, worms, but can eat berries and root vegetables.
6
Gray large rat 40 centimeters
Gray large rat ( Pasyuk) is the largest species, distributed in the territory of Russia. The trunk of the pasyuk can reach a size of 40 centimeters, and the length of the tail is 20 cm. In nature, these rats live near the ponds. In the winter, they prefer to be placed in human buildings. To arrange in natural conditions, rodents dig holes up to a meter deep and 5 meters in length. Pasuks are omnivorous, they also prefer food of animal origin.
5
Potor 41 centimeter
Potor belongs to the genus of the marsupial family of Kangaroo rats. It is a fairly large rodent, its body length can reach 41 centimeters, and the tail 32 cm. The hind legs are more developed and longer than the forelegs. Moves the flow of jumping, hinder legs alternately, like a jerboa. Like all marsupials, the female has a well developed bag, where the cub is located, after it has been born for 4 months. The main habitat for the current is thickets of bushes, undergrowth or even steppes. As a rule, animals are nocturnal. In the afternoon they prefer to hide in the built holes. Feed on the flow of plants, mushrooms, as well as insects.
4
Bamboo rat 48 centimeters
Bamboo rats refer to the species of burrowing rodents and are the largest in the family of mole rats. Grow bamboo rats can up to 48 centimeters in the body and have a tail length of 15 cm. They are led in particular by an underground way of life. Animals have small eyes and small ears. They have very large teeth and strong claws, which they need to dig holes. The habitat of rodents is chosen by bamboo thickets. Their main food is bamboo roots, stems, seeds and other vegetable fruits. This species is usually distributed in Asian countries: China, Thailand, etc.
3
Large rat kangaroo 55 centimeters
The large rat kangaroo belongs to the family of marsupial mammals. The length of the animal's body can reach 55 centimeters, and the length of the tail is 40 cm. The rodent resembles a kangaroo: its hind legs are larger and much longer than the forelegs. He moves by leaps, but can move and on all four paws. This species has 34 teeth, the fangs are very well developed. The rat kangaroo has a well developed bag with the development of a cub's embryo. Inhabit animals in grassy nests, which build themselves, or in rabbit holes. They feed on vegetation, mushrooms and root vegetables. They lead an active night life. The sight of kangaroo rats is rare, particularly prevalent in Australia.
2
Reed rat 61 centimeters
Reed rats are among the largest in the world. The animal belongs to the genus of African rodents. The length of the body of the reed rat can be 61 centimeters, and the tail - 26 cm. Massive rodents with a body weight of up to 9 kilograms are outwardly similar to nutria. Strong, short limbs have thick and well developed claws. The head of the animal is quite large, with small eyes and rounded ears. Wool of reed rats bristle-shaped and rigid, grows in bundles. The rodent chooses a wetland near the reed beds. Animals burrows are built in the coastal vegetation, where they are practically throughout the day. These are excellent swimmers who take refuge in ponds in case of danger. The main treats of this type of rats are cereals, sugar cane, pineapples, cassava. Often, Africans hunt reed-cane and eat them.
1
Papuan rat 1 meter
Papuan rats are some of the largest rodents known to science. They dwell on the island of Papua( New Guinea).The length of the body of the giants can reach 1 meter, the tail - 30 cm. Externally, the large rodent resembles the usual pasyuk, the difference is only in size. Live Papuan rats in the mountains, in the vents of extinct volcanoes. Due to the thick fur, animals can survive even in the harshest climatic conditions.
