Habitat preferences and distribution of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus Berk.) in the city of Salzburg (Austria): implications for an urban rat management Abstract The population of Rattus norvegicus was assessed using live traps and hair sampling tubes in 71 discrete patches distributed in the urban area of the city of Salzburg, Austria. R. norvegicus occurred in 35% of the examined habitats and reached a maximum density of 113.12 individuals/km along water banks. The occurrence of rats was strongly influenced by vegetation, habitat modification and man-made impact in the area. The results of this study could be used to support the development of a new, more scientifically based rat management plan in cooperation with the city of Salzburg.

The landscape of three test areas of an urban environment was efficiently assessed for its ability to support brown rats (Rattus norvegicus Berk.) by successfully integrating habitat suitability modelling using GIS (Geographical Information System). The GIS model, validated using an independent set of rat observations, and a model analysis showed the potential of different habitats for rat occurrence. Because of its use of general land-cover types, the model could be applied to other cities. This model system will be used for the entire city area of Salzburg in the near future. In this publication, we present the results of the pilot GIS model.