Posted on 01/03/2005 6:42:33 PM PST by pickemuphere
KEY WEST, Fla. - The Florida Keys, already dealing with invasive exotics from melaleuca to iguanas, have added another to the list of unwanted newcomers: the African Gambian pouch rat.
Biologists and conservationists in the Keys say the rodent needs to be eradicated, before it increases its range and harms native species that live in natural areas of the Keys.
Although it is unclear how or why the rat — which can grow as big as a raccoon — was released on Grassy Key, biologists are saying the animal could be devastating to the Florida Keys' ecological system.
The omnivores, or animals that eat almost everything, could compete for food with endangered species such as the silver rice rat, carry diseases and eat bird eggs.
And the greater threat is that the pouch rat could make it to Key Largo, threatening the endangered wood rat, biologists say. And, even worse, the rat that can grow up to nine pounds might make it to the Florida Everglades.
(Excerpt) Read more at story.news.yahoo.com ...
You didn't miss the Giant African Land Snails scare here in Wisconsin, did you???
As for the concern in other posts about exotics being kept as pets, STOP yourselves. There is no need, or reason to trash on folks who own exotics. It isn't as if hundreds or thousands of people are letting their Gambian rats, or Death Adders lose on unsuspecting population. Much, much too much fear of exotics from folks who have no experience owning exotics. Many exotic owners are exceedingly responsible pet owners (more responsible than a lot of dog owners I know)...and many exotics make excellent pets. Many, particularly repitles, are captive bred for pet purposes. All of us should not be lumped into the "idiot" category because some dumba$$ let his Gambian pouched rat thing or his 15ft burmese python loose in FLA--or because some dope dealer bought a tiger to guard his warehouse. Geez.
Signed,
Conscientious Reptile and Fish enthusiast
Yeah, I know invasive species are a problem but this thread is hysterical. The cats are even afraid of these things, they are really scary. I was wondering if the Democrats might want to change their symbol from the donkey to the giant Gambian pouched rat. Such a change would certainly make them seem more bold, dangerous and exciting.
one mans worry is another's target rich environment.
Kofi's bagmen?
That is so true--I couldn't agree more. Our own family breeds Liberian Wart Lizards, who make the most delightful pets, once you learn some basic safety rules. If you work hard to keep their environment clean, the smell is not really all that bad after you get used to it. The so-called "warts" are actually interesting: if you handle the animal gently they do not often rupture on you and discharge that highly-irritating fluid inside. We are careful to use gloves and face-masks when handling them. Those Kevlar vests you can get from US Quartermaster online are helpful too in case one of them gets cranky, the way the males do during breeding season. (The females too, come to think of it. But with the females you can tell if they're getting cranky because their color darkens a little before they strike.)
Naturally, it's smart not to leave them alone with children who weigh less than about 80 pounds. Actually, I don't leave them alone with adults either, or the family dog. Our lizards are well-controlled and there was only that one incident with the Rottie, but that was just because the dog wasn't really used to them and didn't know not to bark when they came after him in pairs.
So far we have had only one escape. Luckily it was a slow-moving old male who got away, and we were able to recapture him before anything bad happened (I think he only got one cat). The cops laughed at the neighbor who called them when she described what she'd seen, so as of right now we're okay; no one suspects what we have.
Try the Liberian Wart-Lizard yourself if you're looking for a really fun, interesting, unusual pet! It's so educational for the kids. Just make sure you get a healthy one (don't let any importer foist a white one off on you, as that means they haven't had enough meat lately). If you need more advice I'm happy to help.
Ok no joke. In europe the farmers used to use shotguns to kill the large norwegian rats. They were also as large as full grown raccoons/housecats. The rats would come out at sunset and the farmers would just wait and pick them off as the rats wandered across pathways in the fields.
Now the question is whether anyone in key west knows which way to point a shotgun. I bet these rats are solving the key west wild chicken problem.
I saw a new "full cry" and it looks to me like there's more hounds treeing squirrels than coon back east. Squirrels, rats as big as coons might be the ticket
"Of all the imaginary friends I've had, I don't think there
was one that I didn't end up having to kill.......including the bunny."
BTW Patton, ..... What kind of dirt do ya have on USIS ?
are any of the rats named Ben?
Meet the new rat.....same as the old rat....(apologies to The Who)
Would you mind posting a picture of one of these lizards for us to see?
Oh, sure. I have to save up money to buy a digital camera, though.
Another thing about the Liberian Wart-Lizard: they're not fussy eaters and they're very fast. This is why I haven't had to pay for my security system to be monitored ever since I started breeding lizards. They're great for home defense!
LOL
BTTT!!!!!!!
Oh, you can laugh, but you wouldn't laugh so much if you tried to get into the house and had two of these bad boys come after you in a pincer movement. I no longer have any problem with deer eating my azaleas. The piles of lizard-poop are a small price to pay.
Send in some Cajuns, those rat look just about gumbo size to me.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.