Melbourne’s Secret Water Rats Are Thriving | Australia News

Melbourne’s urban waterways are bustling with rakali—Australia’s native otter-like rodent, once mislabeled a “water rat” but now celebrated for its clever city survival and pest-control skills. A new University of Melbourne mapping project has logged over 700 sightings, spotlighting hotspots like St Kilda and Coburg Lake, revealing how these adaptable creatures thrive in drains, fountains, and rivers. With webbed feet, water-repellent fur, and a knack for eating toxic cane toads safely, rakali are not just surviving—they’re helping keep our cities cleaner by preying on invasive rats. Researchers urge Melburnians to report sightings to help track this fascinating native species proving that urban wildlife can be both resilient and beneficial. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/dc32663b25d9e2c5