IPB University Expert Explains the Differences Between Rats and Shrews, from Physical Characteristics to Health Risks
Rats and shrews are often mistaken for the same animal because they are small, dark in color, and frequently found around homes. However, according to Dr Swastiko Priyambodo, a lecturer in the Department of Plant Protection at the Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, the two are distinct animals.
Dr Swastiko explained that rats and shrews belong to different animal groups. Their differences also include physical characteristics, habitats, and dietary habits. According to him, it is important for the public to recognize these differences, especially since rats can carry a number of diseases that have the potential to infect humans.
Different Groups, Different Characteristics
“Rats belong to the order Rodentia, or the group of rodents, which are omnivores that primarily eat grains. Meanwhile, shrews belong to the order Insectivora, which generally feed on insects and earthworms,” he explained.
Differences can also be seen in their physical appearance. Rats generally have long tails with a medium sized, proportionate snout. Meanwhile, shrews have shorter tails and relatively longer snouts.
One type of rat commonly found in residential areas is the house rat, Rattus tanezumi. The shrew frequently encountered near residential areas is known as the house shrew, Suncus murinus. These are two distinct species.
“House mice inhabit rafters or ceilings, while house rats inhabit the ground or floors,” he said.
In addition to house mice, people may also encounter the smaller house mouse (Mus musculus). This mouse belongs to the order Rodentia, just like the house mouse and the larger Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus).
Dr Swastiko explained that house mice, house rats, and Norway rats are referred to as cosmopolitan rodents, that is, rodents whose distribution is widespread across all continents. The distribution of these three rodent species follows the spread of humans across the globe.
Understand the Health Risks
The differences between rats and field mice are also important to note from a health perspective. Dr Swastiko explained that rats can carry a number of diseases that have the potential to infect humans, including the plague, leptospirosis (a disease caused by exposure to rat urine), and hantavirus.
Meanwhile, according to him, shrews do not carry diseases like those carried by rats. Therefore, the public needs to identify any animals they encounter before deciding how to handle them.
Handle with Care
House rats, house mice, and house shrews can be captured using glue traps. Subsequent handling must be done carefully to avoid direct contact with the animals or potentially contaminated materials.
Dr Swastiko hopes that understanding the differences between rats and field mice will help the public more accurately identify the presence of these two animals in their homes. In addition to preventing misidentification, this knowledge can also raise public awareness of the health risks associated with rats. (Ez) (IAAS/KQA)
