Australian Water Rat Skull Replica

Description

Australian water rat skull replica measures 2.3 x 1.1 x 0.8 inches. The Hydromys chrysogaster skull is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast from California Academy of Sciences specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

The Australian water rat, or rakali is a native rodent to Australia. It has many names including the yirrku, rabe or water rat.

This species occupies a semi-aquatic and nocturnal lifestyle. They live in burros on the banks of rivers, lakes, and estuaries. These rodents eat insects, fish, crustaceans, mussels, snails, frogs, birds’ eggs, and water birds. They function as a carnivorous species.

Adults have a body measuring 9.1 to 14.6 inches in length. They weigh between 0.750 and 2.811 pounds. A thick tail measures around 9.5 to 13.6 inches long. Females are smaller than the males. They have partially webbed hind legs, waterproof fur, a flattened head, a long blunt nose, many whiskers and small ears and eyes.

The streamlined body features a large, flat, elongated skull. The upper and lower jaws hold two molars. They have black to brown fur with an orange or white belly. The dark tail ends with a white tip.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Rodentia
• Family: Muridae
• Genus: Hydromys
• Species: H. chrysogaster
• Binomial name: Hydromys chrysogaster
• Conservation status: Least concern

Splash, the Australian water rat skull replica, coordinated a game of volleyball with a beach ball he found bobbing in the shallow waves.

Roo, the rufous rat kangaroo skull replica, served the ball and got their first point.

Waffles, the wombat male skull replica, willingly made a body dive into the hot sand to return the ball. He was able to bump it up for Pogo.

Pogo, the long-nosed bandicoot skull replica, jumped up high and returned the ball with a spike. It was a very fun game.