Rats and Mice
Rats and Mice
Muridae
The Most Diverse Rodent Family: Rats and Mice belong to the family Muridae, the largest and most diverse family of mammals in the world. Found across every continent except Antarctica, these rodents have adapted to nearly every habitat, from dense forests and grasslands to deserts and urban environments. The family includes over 700 species, including true mice (Mus spp.), true rats (Rattus spp.), gerbils, and other small rodents. Members of the Muridae family are typically small, with body lengths ranging from 6 to 30 cm (2.5 to 12 in), and have long, scaly tails that often match or exceed their body length. They usually have pointed snouts, large eyes, and rounded ears. Their fur varies in color depending on the species and environment, from browns and grays to black or even reddish hues. Rats and Mice are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, fruits, insects, and human food waste. Their ability to survive on a wide variety of foods has allowed them to flourish alongside humans, often becoming pests in agricultural and urban settings. They are also prolific breeders, with some species capable of producing multiple litters each year. Most murids are nocturnal and rely on their keen sense of smell, hearing, and touch to navigate their environment. They are excellent climbers, swimmers, and burrowers, adapting their behaviors to suit their habitat. Their intelligence and adaptability make them successful survivors, but also challenging pests in many regions. Although common species like the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) and House Mouse (Mus musculus) are widespread, many wild species face threats from habitat destruction, invasive predators, and climate change.