Rodents are small animals that are classified as mammals.
There are over 2,200 species of rodents, and they account for 40% of all mammalian species in the world.
In the United States, nearly 70 rodent species are found across diverse habitats ranging from desert to alpine regions.
They are called rodents due to their long front teeth (incisor), which grow continuously and must be worn by biting (gnawing).
Also interestingly, most of them are active at night, so they are also considered nocturnal animals. However, not all rodents are nocturnal animals.
They are generally mild animals, which means they do not attack other animals or feed on them for a living.
They form an important part of the ecology as seed dispersers and also ecosystem engineers. Besides, they are prey to predators like wild animals and other carnivores.
They are herbivores and mostly feed on grass or other vegetarians’ grains and nuts.
Types of rodents
1. Rats
- Rats are different-sized rodents that have long tails.
- They vary in color, like brown, black, and even plain white rats.
- They are some of the most robust and tough animals.
- They can sustain harsh conditions and live in small burrows. They are common rodents that affect human home life.
- They tend to destroy the stored food grains and even cause the spread of dreadful diseases like rabies.
- They generally feed on vegetarian items like nuts, grain, etc.
- But they can also eat anything like their own feces and even meat.
- Their weight varies from 50 grams to 500 grams.
- They are widely used in pharmacological studies and in drug development process research due to their robust characteristics.
- They tolerate harsh pains and surgical procedures. Further, their physiology is comparable to humans. So, their use is very common in new drug development.
Check the video below for different kinds of rodents.
2. Mice
- They are quite similar to rats, and one might easily confuse them with baby rats.
- They are 10 times smaller than rats and quite active than rats.
- They can run and jump swiftly. They are also common home rodents that destroy stored food grains.
- They also live in burrows in soil or in human areas.
- Both rats and mice are not easy to catch and hold.
- They can bite objects, even their hands. So, one should be careful when handling them.
- They eat grain and cereals. Like rats, they could eat anything but prefer a vegetarian diet.
3. Squirrels
- These are cute rodents that are quite shy. They tend to run away at the slightest sound of animals or humans.
- They mostly tend to live on trees. They prefer eating nuts and are pure vegetarians.
- They are such shy animals that they can rarely harm others and are even too weak to defend themselves.
- Unlike rats and mice, they are less problematic to humans. They do not like to stay in human residences.
4. Guinea pigs
- Another very mild and shy rodent is the guinea pig.
- They can be easily grown as even pets due to their sensitivity and gentle behavior.
- They eat grass and also fruits, radishes, etc.
- They are pure vegetarians and rely mostly on grass.
- Also, they are very poor defenders against predators.
- But like rats and mice, they are widely used in drug research processes.
- Even its meat is consumed by humans in a few countries.
5. Porcupines.
These are quite interesting rodents. Unlike others, they are strictly nocturnal.
- They have a powerful defense that can scare even wild animals.
- They have sharp spines that can prick predators.
- These spines are natural skin hair that is modified for its defense.
- In normal states, these spines are laid down.
- But when the animal senses danger, the spines get erect, which can cause severe pain on pricking.
- They eat bark, leaves, fruits, and newly growing buds.
6. Hamsters
- Hamsters are similar to rats or mice in appearance, with the exception of the long tail.
- They are easy to rear and used as common pets by humans.
- They eat seeds, fruits, and also a few insects.
- They are nocturnal animals, and during the daytime, they keep hiding in the burrows.
7. Marmot
- By physical appearance, these rodents look like giant squirrels.
- But unlike the squirrels, they live in burrows in the soil.
- They eat roots, flowers, grass, berries, etc.
8. Prairie dogs
- These rodents are found only in the American continent.
- As the name indicates, they look like small dog pups.
- Even their sound resembles dogs. They primarily feed on grass, seeds, and a few insects.
- They can be grown as pets.
9. Gopher:
- These are also called Pocket gophers and show extensive burrowing behavior in the garden and farms.
- They are seen exclusively in North America and Central America.
Educating message you got here. Thank you.
But I would have wanted to know the diseases they transmit.