Amsterdam is considering a novel approach to deal with its burgeoning rat population. Experts from the city’s university suggest that instead of battling the rodents, residents should learn to coexist with them, similar to how they share space with bats or pigeons.
Maite van Gerwen, an animal scientist, advocates for a shift in attitude towards rats. She argues that rats play a crucial role in ecosystems, particularly in urban environments like Amsterdam. She stated in an interview with the city’s Het Parool newspaper: “Where there are people, there are rats.”
Contrary to common fears, rats are not inherently disease-ridden creatures. Van Gerwen points out that rats, despite living in unsanitary conditions, are actually quite clean animals.
They spend a significant portion of their day grooming themselves and their fellow rats, maintaining their hygiene.
Van Gerwen further stressed that rats are unfairly vilified. She claims that conflicts between humans and rats often result in a lose-lose situation, with extermination as the usual outcome. She suggests that a more balanced approach is needed, one that acknowledges the role rats play in urban ecosystems.
Regarding disease transmission, Van Gerwen clarifies that rats are no more hazardous than other animals. Serious infections are rare and typically require direct contact with rat excrement or urine.
Historically, rats have been demonised, particularly due to their alleged role in spreading the bubonic plague. However, recent research has debunked this theory, attributing the spread of the disease primarily to lice and fleas on humans.
In line with this new perspective, Amsterdam’s experts propose a “rat city” project. This initiative involves creating designated feeding areas for rats in parks, allowing residents to coexist peacefully with these animals. Christine van Royen, a researcher involved in the project, highlights the intelligence and social nature of rats, advocating for their humane treatment.
The “rat city” concept draws inspiration from the Karni Mata temple in India, where rats are revered and cared for.
