Ecology on the Eastern Wood rat
The Neotoma Floridana or more commonly known as the eastern woodrat. the woodrat was first found by Ord in 1818. this woodrat is the only woodrat species found in south carolina. it normally nest in "under porches, inside sheds, attics, soffits, hard to reach wall" said by victorpest.com.
The eastern woodrat is mostly the same size as the normal rat. the woodrat is 7 inches long, and weighs 10-16 ounces. the woodrats has bulging black eyes. the woodrat has very soft and fine fur. people say that the woodrat looks like a "large hamster." it's life span is up to 3 years. it can have brown, black, or grey fur color. the woodrat is mostly active during night because it's nocturnal, but common to see juveniles during the daytime. it's home is about ¾ of an acre. it eats seeds, insects, small birds, and twigs.
“In 2008, the population of the eastern woodrat was only 10,000. the sex ratio is “41.7% males 58.3% females”. according to” ~2
“Mating relationships are first determined by establishing dominance. If the male establishes dominance then most likely the pairing will result in offspring. If the female becomes dominant then the male is often killed during fighting. When a successful mating pair is established, the male will follow the female around drumming his hind feet and sniffing the perineal area of the female. If the female is receptive, she will assume a position ideal for copulation. If copulation does not happen immediately, the female will start to pursue the male. She follows him around until copulation occurs. Once breeding is complete, the pair does not associate further and males are likely to try and make other attempts at breeding.”~2
The Eastern Woodrat is pregnant for about 33 to 35 days. The Mating season extends from January to September. the woodrat dose not reach adult size till 8-9 months of age. according to http://www.arkive.org/
“They breed 2 or 3 times per year, with the female eastern woodrat giving birth to a litter of 1 to 6 pups, after a gestation period of around 35 days.” the main cause for its endangerment.” ~1
“They typically occur in rocky areas associated with mountain ridges such as cliffs, caves, talus slopes and crevasses. In New Jersey, Allegheny woodrats occur in sloping fields of rock near the bases of cliffs. The most important component to the woodrats habitat is for it to provide cover. Rock outcrops must have numerous deep crevasses and overhanging rocks and ledges. The surrounding vegetation is usually deciduous forests that are comprised of oaks, birches, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. The Palisades is the site of New Jersey’s last remaining woodrat population.” ~3
We can help to save this wonderful animal buy either not polluting there natural habitats and make there home clean. we can also help buy donating to charities that help save the eastern Woodrats. If these animals become extinct it will create an imbalance in the food chain, and create a massive stress on the predators of this animal.
-Harrison Ross
The Neotoma Floridana or more commonly known as the eastern woodrat. the woodrat was first found by Ord in 1818. this woodrat is the only woodrat species found in south carolina. it normally nest in "under porches, inside sheds, attics, soffits, hard to reach wall" said by victorpest.com.
The eastern woodrat is mostly the same size as the normal rat. the woodrat is 7 inches long, and weighs 10-16 ounces. the woodrats has bulging black eyes. the woodrat has very soft and fine fur. people say that the woodrat looks like a "large hamster." it's life span is up to 3 years. it can have brown, black, or grey fur color. the woodrat is mostly active during night because it's nocturnal, but common to see juveniles during the daytime. it's home is about ¾ of an acre. it eats seeds, insects, small birds, and twigs.
“In 2008, the population of the eastern woodrat was only 10,000. the sex ratio is “41.7% males 58.3% females”. according to” ~2
“Mating relationships are first determined by establishing dominance. If the male establishes dominance then most likely the pairing will result in offspring. If the female becomes dominant then the male is often killed during fighting. When a successful mating pair is established, the male will follow the female around drumming his hind feet and sniffing the perineal area of the female. If the female is receptive, she will assume a position ideal for copulation. If copulation does not happen immediately, the female will start to pursue the male. She follows him around until copulation occurs. Once breeding is complete, the pair does not associate further and males are likely to try and make other attempts at breeding.”~2
The Eastern Woodrat is pregnant for about 33 to 35 days. The Mating season extends from January to September. the woodrat dose not reach adult size till 8-9 months of age. according to http://www.arkive.org/
“They breed 2 or 3 times per year, with the female eastern woodrat giving birth to a litter of 1 to 6 pups, after a gestation period of around 35 days.” the main cause for its endangerment.” ~1
“They typically occur in rocky areas associated with mountain ridges such as cliffs, caves, talus slopes and crevasses. In New Jersey, Allegheny woodrats occur in sloping fields of rock near the bases of cliffs. The most important component to the woodrats habitat is for it to provide cover. Rock outcrops must have numerous deep crevasses and overhanging rocks and ledges. The surrounding vegetation is usually deciduous forests that are comprised of oaks, birches, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. The Palisades is the site of New Jersey’s last remaining woodrat population.” ~3
We can help to save this wonderful animal buy either not polluting there natural habitats and make there home clean. we can also help buy donating to charities that help save the eastern Woodrats. If these animals become extinct it will create an imbalance in the food chain, and create a massive stress on the predators of this animal.
-Harrison Ross