Common rat (Rattus norvegicus)
	Description	Grey/brown fur, long hairless tail. Head and body length 214-273mm, weights 275-520g.
	Life cycle	Breed all year producing up to 5 litters of 7-9 young. Gestation is 20-23 days and weaning takes place at 21 days. Mainly nocturnal and tend to live in colonies.
	Habitat	Associated with people; refuse tips, grain stores, sewerage system and farms.
	Diet	Cereals and seeds, will also take invertebrates, eggs, young mammals and birds.
	Status
	Reserve	Breeding populations of common rats throughout the reserve.
	Britain	Pre-breeding population estimated at 6,790,000.