Celebrating an Unlikely Companion
Rats are often misunderstood and maligned due to their association with disease. Rats are intelligent, affectionate, and highly social creatures. World Rat Day is observed on 4 April every year. The observation was started in 2002 by members of the Ratlist, an online community for pet rat enthusiasts. Rats consume and contaminate large quantities of food crops, estimated at 5-20% of global agricultural production annually. Rats have long been indispensable to scientific research. Recall someone being in a “rat race”. It took on a metaphorical meaning, symbolising modern life’s competitive and often exhausting struggle. Indian ancient scriptures hold cultural significance to Rat. Can one forget the Mushika Vahana (chariot of Lord Ganesha)? If you want to come out of the stigma, start watching “Tom and Jerry”. Every creature has a role in evolution, and humans must learn to live with it, adapt and minimise the damage from other creatures. Rats are no exception.
Rats are often misunderstood and maligned due to their association with disease. Rats are intelligent, affectionate, and highly social creatures. World Rat Day is observed on 4 April every year. The observation was started in 2002 by members of the Ratlist, an online community for pet rat enthusiasts. World Rat Day serves as an opportunity to educate people about the ecological importance of rats. They play a vital role in ecosystems, helping to disperse seeds, aerate the soil, and maintain balance in food chains. Rats have excellent spatial memory and can remember places they have visited. Their ability to recall specific routes and landmarks is remarkable and helps them adapt to changing environments.
Much of this stigma about Rats is due to historical reasons, particularly their role in spreading the Black Death in the 14th century. Though subsequent research suggested that the primary reason was due to fleas, the stigma continues. Rats consume and contaminate large quantities of food crops, estimated at 5-20% of global agricultural production annually. Their food consumption in Asia is equivalent to what can feed 200 million people. Rats are incredibly diverse, with over 60 species belonging to the genus Rattus. The most common ones include the Brown Rat and the Black Rat. Some of the most prevalent species found in India include the House Rat.
Rats have long been indispensable to scientific research. Their genetic similarities to humans make them invaluable in medical and behavioural studies, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in the treatment of diseases. Rats are creatures placed high in the hierarchy of animal intelligence and are known for their cognitive abilities. Their brains share similarities with human brains, making them valuable in scientific research. They have a relatively short lifespan (~2-3 years) and a rapid breeding cycle. Allowing researchers to study the progression of diseases and the effects of interventions over multiple generations in a relatively short period. Estimates suggest that in the United States alone, more than 111 million mice and rats are used annually in biomedical research (~99% of all lab animals).
The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you are still a rat.
Lily Tomlin
Recall someone being in a “rat race”. Traced back to the late 19th century, “rat-run” refers to maze-like passages used by rats. Over time, it took on a metaphorical meaning, symbolising modern life’s competitive and often exhausting struggle, akin to rats racing through a maze for a reward. Humans have used several ingenious methods to trap the rats (literally). The origin of rat traps dates back thousands of years.
Hollywood buffs cannot forget the movie “Ratatouille” animated film. The Rat named Remy, who has a passion for cooking, collaborates with a young chef to create culinary masterpieces in a Parisian restaurant. Recall the story of the Pied Piper, which passed through generations.
Indian ancient scriptures hold cultural significance to Rat. Can one forget the Mushika Vahana (chariot of Lord Ganesha)? At the Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan, thousands of rats are considered sacred and fed by devotees. Â
Keeping fancy rats as pets is gradually gaining popularity among animal lovers in urban areas in India.
If you want to come out of the stigma, start watching “Tom and Jerry”. The intelligence of Jerry and the ability to overcome Tom not only makes you laugh and get entertained, but it also reflects the ability of this small animal.
Every creature has a role in evolution, and humans must learn to live with it, adapt and minimise the damage from other creatures. Rats are no exception.
Toon: Advika
Log: M Sai Baba
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