Life at Lizard
What's going on at Lizard Island Research Station?
First terrestrial mammal recorded from Lizard Island
Tracks of a small mammal have been seen on several beaches at Lizard Island beaches since October 2009.
The first sighting of the animal that makes the tracks was made by a visiting researcher in May, and it seems to be a Water Rat, Hydromys chrysogaster, due to its size (large), colour (dark brown with a white tip to the tail) and hairiness (very, including on the tail).
This is the first record of a native terrestrial mammal on the island. Non-native Black Rats have made their way to Lizard Island on a few occasions but populations have never become established.
Mammal tracks at Lizard Island View full size
Anne Hoggett
© Australian Museum
Common Water-rat View full size
R Jenkins
© Australian Museum