CreatureData

Polynesian rat vs Summit rat

The summit rat is heavier: 108.8 g against 47.3 g for the polynesian rat, about 2.3 times the weight.

Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans)
Polynesian rat LCLeast Concern
Photo: Cliff from Arlington, VA, USA · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Summit rat (Rattus baluensis)
Summit rat LCLeast Concern
Photo: Ch'ien Lee · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

What is the difference between a polynesian rat and a summit rat?

Each point below is worked out from a pair of recorded values.

  • The summit rat is heavier: 108.8 g against 47.3 g for the polynesian rat, about 2.3 times the weight.
  • Both belong to the genus Rattus, so they are close relatives.
  • Both are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Side by side

Polynesian ratSummit rat
Scientific nameRattus exulansRattus baluensis
FamilyMuridaeMuridae
OrderRodentiaRodentia
Weight47.3 g – 60.3 g107.5 g – 108.8 g
LengthNot recordedNot recorded
Lifespan3.91 yearsNot recorded
Main foodNot recordedNot recorded
HabitatforestNot recorded
Conservation statusLeast ConcernLeast Concern
Countries recorded1Not recorded

A scale drawing needs a recorded length for both animals; only weights are on record for this pair.

Full record: Polynesian ratFull record: Summit ratCompare other animals