Map finds native water mammal rakali thriving in Melbourne's waterways

Melbourne's waterways are home to a thriving population of rakali, a native Australian water mammal once dismissed as a 'water rat.' A new mapping project by the University of Melbourne has documented over 700 sightings across Greater Melbourne, revealing hotspots in areas like the St Kilda breakwater, Southbank, and Coburg Lake. This indicates the rakali has successfully adapted to urban life, appearing in drains, ponds, and rivers.

“

People just think, 'Ew, get rid of it.'

Conservation biologist Kylie Soanes highlighted the rakali's crucial role in controlling invasive black and brown rat populations within the city. She referenced footage from Sydney showing a rakali ambushing a black rat, underscoring their effectiveness as natural pest controllers. This behavior positions the rakali as a valuable asset to the urban ecosystem, offering a solution to a common city problem.

“

What the rakali have done, which is incredible, is they're able to take down black and brown rats in cities.

Despite their beneficial role, rakali are often mistaken for pests due to their resemblance to invasive rats. Key distinguishing features include a white-tipped tail and a golden belly. The name 'rakali,' derived from the Ngarrindjeri language, was adopted in 1995 to shed the negative stigma associated with the 'water rat' moniker. Researchers describe the rakali as an opportunistic predator, hunting marine invertebrates and crustaceans. They are also known for their surprisingly refined eating habits, carrying their prey to a clean spot before consuming it.

“

They're very polite eaters.