Rattini

Rattini is a tribe of rodents within the subfamily Murinae, family Muridae. It comprises a diverse group of Old World rats and their relatives, with the genus Rattus being the best known. The tribe is defined largely by phylogenetic data from molecular analyses and comparative morphology, rather than a single shared adaptation. The composition of Rattini has shifted as new evidence has emerged, and different taxonomic treatments list somewhat different genera. Genera commonly associated with Rattini include Rattus (true rats), Bandicota (bandicoot rats), Nesokia (short-tailed bandicoot rats), Golunda (Indian jungle rat), and Berylmys, among others.

Distribution and habitat: Members of Rattini are native to Asia, Africa, and parts of Australasia. They occupy a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and near human settlements. Several species are highly adaptable and have become prominent commensals in urban and agricultural environments. Diets are typically omnivorous and vary with resource availability.

Evolution and systematics: Rattini is regarded as a relatively derived lineage within Murinae. Molecular phylogenetics have helped clarify relationships among its genera, yet the limits of the tribe and the placement of some taxa remain topics of ongoing study. The tribe appears to have diversified in the Miocene and later, with subsequent radiations across Asia.

Impact and human interaction: Several Rattini species, especially those in the genera Rattus and Bandicota, are economically and medically important as pests and disease vectors. They can damage crops and infrastructure and transmit pathogens to humans and domestic animals. Conservation status varies by species, with many facing threats from habitat loss, competition, and introduced predators in some regions.