Most Populous Mammals: After humans, this mammal rules the Earth, and 5 countries with its thriving population (no, not cows!) |
If you thought after humans, the second most populous mammal on Earth is cows, or maybe dogs, we have a surprise. Nope—it’s rats. As per the worldatlas.com, there may be as many as 8.7 million species of animals and plants on Earth, of which just 1.2 million have been documented. Now, as per the report, more than 5400 mammal species have been identified, and one-fifth are reportedly either endangered or threatened due to various reasons. Now cut to chase after the humans, rats are the most populous mammals on Earth. That’s right: the whiskered, quick-footed, crumb-stealing rodents that make most of us jump are quietly dominating the planet in sheer numbers.With an estimated 7 billion rats worldwide, although the report states that it’s challenging to know the exact number, almost on par with the global human population, they’ve earned their spot as the most populous mammal after Homo sapiens. While humans spend billions planning population control and urban infrastructure, rats? They show up, multiply, and thrive in the very cities we built.
Let’s chew on some facts. There are over 60 species of rats, but the most common (and possibly the most “urbanised”) is the brown rat, also known as the Norway rat. Found everywhere from subway tunnels in New York to rice fields in Asia, this species has adapted so well to living among humans, it practically deserves its own voter ID.But here’s the twist: although they’re often seen as dirty or disease-carrying pests, rats are actually quite clean. They groom frequently and are highly social, intelligent creatures. In some cultures, like in parts of India, they’re even revered. Take that, haters.If you are curious by now as to where they are found, here are five countries where rats rule the roost. Read more: 5 snake parks in India that are absolutely fang-tastic and what makes them special
United States
As of 2022, Chicago has the highest population of rats. The Windy City has repeatedly topped the list of America’s rattiest cities, followed closely by New York City and Los Angeles. Urban sprawl, food waste, and cozy underground transit systems supposedly serve as rat heaven.
China
With its massive population, dense cities, and abundant food sources, China has a colossal rat population, although officials rarely release specific figures. Urban centers like Beijing and Guangzhou deal with rodent issues year-round, despite rigorous control efforts.
India
Welcome to Deshnoke, Rajasthan, home to the Karni Mata Temple, where over 25,000 rats are worshipped as sacred. Locals call them kabbas, and they’re believed to be reincarnated souls of the followers of the deity Karni Mata. Visitors even consider eating food nibbled by the rats as a blessing. Now that’s rat respect.
France
Paris may be charming, but beneath its romantic cobblestone streets lies a rat problem that could give Chicago a run for its cheese. Some estimates suggest that there are more rats than people in Paris. Read more: 5 places where the earliest humans existed in India and why they are a must visit for tourists
United Kingdom
London’s aging underground system provides the perfect network of tunnels for rats to live and multiply. Like Paris, the city reportedly has more rats than humans, and sightings have surged in recent years, especially during the colder months.While rats may not win popularity contests, there’s no denying their evolutionary success. They’ve made the leap from wild to urban, from feared to (sometimes) revered—and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. So next time you spot a twitchy nose in your trash can, remember: you’re sharing the planet with one of Earth’s most successful mammals.
