Our biggest rat is a surprisingly endearing water creature with glossy fur and fabulous whiskers.
MENTION ‘RAT’ and Australians usually think of introduced black rats. But we have many native rodents that have been part of Australia’s fauna for millennia (see AG 143). One of the largest is the water-rat, known also by the Aboriginal name rakali.
It’s like a Down Under otter – an aquatic mammal well known in North America and Europe. Among the rakali’s many appealing otter-like features are glossy fur and distinctive whiskers. It has a streamlined body and thick, tapering tail that acts as a rudder. Also like otters, rakalis are top-order aquatic environment predators, occupying the same ecological niche across Australia that’s filled by otters in the Northern Hemisphere.
Surveying rakali
THE AUSTRALIAN Platypus Conservancy (APC) is asking the public to help conserve the rakali by reporting sightings. It’s found in aquatic habitats from rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds, to dams, wetlands, estuaries and coastal areas. Adults weigh up to 1.2kg and have a white tip on the tail. They’re most active early morning and late afternoon, although they can be seen at any time of the day, particularly in winter.
This story is from the July-August 2018 edition of Australian Geographic Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July-August 2018 edition of Australian Geographic Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SULAWESI SENSATIONS
There are worlds within worlds and marvels untold waiting to be experienced on Indonesia's remote islands.
SEARCHING FOR AUSSIE DINOSAURS
Our understanding of where to find ancient life in Australia has been turned on its head by a new appreciation of the country's geology. Now the world is looking to our vast outback as the latest hotspot to locate fossils.
THE HARDEST NIGHT
The first Australian ascent of Mt Everest in 1984 is one of the great feats of mountaineering. Climbed by a small team semi-alpine style, with no bottled oxygen, via the Great (Norton) Couloir, it remains unrepeated 40 years later.
WEDGE-TAILED WONDER
The chance discovery of an eagle nest leads to an extended vigil observing normally hidden behaviours of one of nature's supreme winged marvels.
BURDENED BY BEAUTY
Northern Australia's Gouldian finch survives in huge numbers in cages around the world, but its wild population continues to struggle.
A TELESCOPE FOR A GOLDEN AGE
After a stellar 50 years as one of the country's major scientific assets, the AAT continues to play a major role in keeping Australian astronomy on the world stage.
COCKY WHISPERING AT COOMALLO CREEK
This patch of remnant bush on the edge of the West Australian wheatbelt is a place loved by one of Australia's rarest bird species and the man who has studied the site for more than 50 years.
A PIONEERING PAIR
Louisa Atkinson and her mother, Charlotte, were among Australia's earliest authors, and pioneers in women's rights.
THE LONGEST WALK
Lucy Barnard is walking from Argentina to Alaska -the length of the Americas - on an extraordinary journey of endurance and adventure.
SECLUDED, BUT NOT ALONE
In an era of heightened social isolation, where many of us lead lonely lives, Dangar Island offers the chance to be part of a supportive, connected community.
