AFRICAN SOFT FURRED RATS, NATURAL PREY FOR PITONS

The African Soft Furred Rat is a rodent that has the scientific name Mastomys natalensis and is still a relative with the common rat, which is from the Muridae family.

 physical characteristics, his body is like a house mouse that we often find. but actually the genus is different friends, house mouse comes from the genus Rattus, while the african soft furred comes from the genus Mastomys.

As the name implies ASF has soft fur which usually has a color combination such as white, brown, and gray.

Has a body length of approximately 16 cm and a tail length of approximately 11 cm. body weight is approximately 58 grams.

 These animals are usually found in meadows, savannas, bushes or in areas not far from human existence, such as rural or urban areas.

Omnivores looking for food at night. The main food is caterpillars and insects, also eat sesame seeds, vegetables, or fruit.

In fact, it is known as a multimammate mammal because it has 9 to 12 nipples (mammary glands).

Mice invaded and their populations spread throughout the world by sneaking routes on sailing ships, especially invading the African continent. ASF is a natural food for other predators, especially the Ball Python.

then after rats invaded or spread to the African continent, the ball python evolved to prey on rats. So it's actually better food for Ball Python is ASF, besides being richer in nutrients it is also the earliest natural food besides Rats or Mice.

Now in several countries, many ASF breeds have been raised, which are bred for other reptile food needs, one of which is Ball Python Snakes, ASF can also be used as pets.

ASF can breed a lot in a short time is a gestation period of 22 days and can give birth to 6 to 22 ASF babies.

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