# Black rat vs Brown rat: the differences

> How do the Black rat (Rattus rattus) and Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) differ? Classification, features, range, diet, size, IUCN status and legal protection, from cited sources.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/differences/black-rat-vs-brown-rat/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/perbedaan/tikus-rumah-dan-tikus-got/
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The black rat (Rattus rattus) and the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) are different species in the same genus, Rattus. Range in Indonesia — the black rat: Settlements, including on Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi; the brown rat: Towns and ports, including on Java and Sulawesi.

| Aspect | [Black rat](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/black-rat/) | [Brown rat](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/brown-rat/) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Rattus rattus | Rattus norvegicus |
| Indonesian name | Tikus rumah | Tikus got |
| Class | Mammalia | Mammalia |
| Order | Rodentia | Rodentia |
| Family | Muridae | Muridae |
| Range in Indonesia | Settlements, including on Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi | Towns and ports, including on Java and Sulawesi |
| Endemic to Indonesia | No | No |
| Key features | Tail longer than its body; agile climber | Stocky body, short ears, tail shorter than body |
| Diet | Fruit, grain, plants, human food, sometimes insects | Omnivore: grain, meat, fish and human food waste |
| Diet type | omnivore (eats plants and animals) | omnivore (eats plants and animals) |
| Reproduction | giving birth to live young (viviparous) | giving birth to live young (viviparous) |
| IUCN status | Least Concern | Least Concern |

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