1. Australian Water Rat (Rakali) Locations & Population
Bob Tammik and Alyson Svenson Earthcare St Kilda November 2005

2. The Scientific name for Rakali is “Hydromys Chrysogaster”

3. Where are Rakali found in Australia?

4. Rakali are found in most waterways throughout Australia

5. For over 100 years Rakali were hunted, almost to extinction,
for its fur

6. Note the white tip to the tail
Rakali became a protected species in the 1930’s
Note the white tip to the tail

7. Note also the partially webbed hind foot

8. Earthcare St Kilda have been studying Rakali in several locations for several years

9. Rakali are wonderful swimmers

10. St Kilda Pier and Breakwater

11. St Kilda Pier
Excellent sightings from Lower Jetty

12. Lower Jetty St Kilda Breakwater

14. Albert Park Lake

15. Good sightings on Gunn Island

17. Elwood Canal

18. Best Sightings are from The Esplanade to Broadway
Excellent sightings from St Kilda Street Bridge

19. Best sightings occur at low tide and at dusk

20. Rakali often located under Elwood Canal bridges

21. Rakali are often observed going into and coming out of storm water drains at low tide

23. Webb Dock

25. Rakali sightings 2003/5

26. The best sightings occur in spring
Seasonal
The best sightings occur in spring

29. Sightings of Rakali drop significantly 2004/5
We believe several devastating floods at
the end of ‘04 and the beginning of ‘05 seriously depleted Rakali food stocks

32. What do Rakali eat?

33. Yabby

34. Rakali feeding platform or midden
Common Shore Crab
Rakali feeding platform or midden

35. Small fish

36. Fan Worm

37. Recording observations

39. The End