Invasive Species

Gambian Rat

The Gambian Rat is a very large rodent native to northern Africa.  Gambian rats can harm rare livestock species and habitats, damage agricultural crops, consume livestock feed, and are associated with a variety of pathogenic diseases that could be spread to humans, livestock, and wildlife.  WS continues to work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Florida Water Management District, and the Florida Park Service to move toward the eradication of the Gambian rat from the Florida Keys.  Removal methods have resulted in significantly reduced rat numbers over previous years. 

For more information: 

• What Wildlife Services is doing to address the threats
• What Wildlife Services’ National Wildlife Research Center is learning about this species:
  • Sampling Accomplishments
  • Invasive Rodent Species
• Information About The Species: Gambian Rat