Australian black rats evolve resistance to rat poison

Australian black rats are developing genetic resistance to rat poisons, potentially leading to increased poison use and harm to native wildlife. Research reveals over half of the studied black rats now possess a mutation indicating resistance to second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. This resistance mirrors a similar trend observed in brown rats in other regions. Experts warn that increased poison use could further contaminate the food chain, impacting native birds and frogs already vulnerable to the effects of rat poison.