Natal multimammate rat, Common African rat, African soft-furred mouse
The Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) is a species of rodent found only in Africa. The Natal multimammate rat has been used as a laboratory animal since 1939 and has great value for researchers.
Natal multimammate mice have light grey silky fur and yellowish-brown to brown upperparts; their underparts are white to off-white in color. Females of this species have up to 12 pairs of mammary glands.
Natal multimammate mice are found in Africa south of the Sahara. Six different genetic groups can be distinguished in different regions: one in western Africa, one in central Africa, one in southern Africa, and three in eastern Africa. These mice inhabit subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, urban areas, irrigated land, and seasonally flooded agricultural land. They associate closely with humans and are commonly found in and around African villages.
Natal multimammate mice live in colonies. They are excellent climbers and also like burrowing and construct their own burrows. They have excellent senses of hearing and smell.
Natal multimammate mice are omnivores. They eat grass, various seeds, fruit, earthworms, insects, and small invertebrates.
Natal multimmate mice can reproduce anytime throughout the year. After the gestation period of around 23 days, females give birth to a litter of 10-16 pups. Young mice become reproductively mature and start to breed when they are approximately 100 days old.
There are no major threats to this species at present.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Natal multimammate mouse is common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.