kids encyclopedia robot

Rakali facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Rakali
Hydromys chrysogaster 17072011.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Rodentia
Family:
Muridae
Genus:
Hydromys
Species:
H. chrysogaster
Binomial name
Hydromys chrysogaster
Geoffroy, 1804
Water Rat.JPG
Distribution of the Water Rat

The Rakali, also known as the Water-rat, is a special kind of rodent that lives in Australia. These amazing animals make their homes in burrows along the banks of rivers, lakes, and where rivers meet the sea (called estuaries).

Rakali are great hunters in the water. They eat many different things like water insects, fish, crustaceans (like crabs and yabbies), mussels, snails, frogs, birds' eggs, and even small water birds.

These creatures are about 23 to 37 centimeters (9 to 14.5 inches) long, not including their tail. Their thick tail can be another 24 to 34.5 centimeters (9.5 to 13.5 inches) long. They weigh between 340 grams and 1.275 kilograms (about 0.75 to 2.8 pounds).

Rakali have some cool features that help them live in water. They have webbed back feet, fur that keeps them dry, a flat head, a long blunt nose, lots of whiskers, and small ears and eyes. Their fur is usually black to brown on top, with an orange or white belly. Their dark tail has a white tip.

What's in a Name? The Rakali Story

For a long time, this animal was simply called the Water-rat. But in the 1990s, there was an idea to use names from Indigenous languages for native animals.

In 1995, the Australian Nature Conservation Agency suggested using the name Rakali. This name comes from the Indigenous people living along the Murray River. Now, both "Rakali" and "Water-rat" are used as common names for this unique Australian animal.

Indigenous Names for the Rakali

Many different Indigenous groups across Australia have their own names for the Rakali. Here are some of them:

Images for kids

  • 20091121 Rakali at the St Kilda Breakwater (front view)

    A Rakali at the St Kilda Breakwater.

  • Hydromys chrysogaster swimming 1

    A Rakali swimming in a creek, showing its habitat.

  • Collage Helminth eggs

    Helminth eggs: These are types of worms that can sometimes affect water rats.

  • Blue Yabby crayfish

    Blue Yabby crayfish, a common food source for Rakali.

  • Hydromys chrysogaster

    A Rakali hiding among reeds, which offer protection from predators.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Rata de agua australiana para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Rakali Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.