Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Originating in southeastern Asia, the widely adaptable brown rat is now found in much of the world, surviving in a range of habitats, particularly around areas of dense human habitation. In Ireland, the species is thought to have been introduced during the 18th Century on ships from Britain and Europe. 

They are omnivorous and will eat almost anything they find. Larger than mice and similar in size to water voles, they have distinct features, including pointed muzzles and long, hairless tails.

• A dropping sample with sufficient biological material to be used as a reserve is required in case the extraction is unsuccessful the first time: the fresher a sample is, the more likely the test will be able to extract viable DNA.
• Other viable sample types include fur/hair, tissue and blood.
• Often an identified species in bat dropping analysis as well as through biological analysis.
• Samples can be taken using a biological sampling kit or using your own secure containers/resources.