Agent name: Rakali

Aliases

• Hydromys chrysogaster
• Australian Water Rat

General description

An amphibious mammal that is similar to the platypus

Habits

• Lives in fresh, salt and brackish water
• Sleeps in either a burrow or hollow log near the water 
• Eats fish, crustaceans, shellfish and some vertebrates, like frogs 

General appearance

• Black-to-brown body, orange-to-white belly, dark tail with white tip
• Measures up to 70 cm long (nose to tail)
• Weighs just over a kilogram

Features

• Waterproof, dense fur for insulation 
• Small ears that can fold down to keep out water
• Large whiskers for detecting prey in water
• Wide, webbed hind feet for swimming
• Powerful tail for steering

Agent skills

• Pest controller – known to hunt invasive species, such as carp and black rats 
• Disguise – Often mistaken for the common pest rat or mouse
• Fighter – Males fight introduced rat species and each other for territory
• Adaptability – Able to survive most conditions and near human settlements 

Threats

• Land-based predators, such as foxes and cats 
• Submerged fishing traps or nets 
• Habitat destruction caused by climate change and pollution