Learn about rodents and their relationship with humans

There are many types of rodents. Up to 2,280 different species according to Wikipedia, representing 42% of all mammals. They are the majority, found almost everywhere in the world, and have colonized various habitats.

Some rodents may seem cute, like squirrels, while in other areas they can cause damage, such as on rooftops in Canada or the United States. Some are kept as pets, like hamsters or guinea pigs, while others we only like through fiction, such as Mickey Mouse, Ratatouille, or Jerry with Tom.

Most rodents are between 8 and 30 cm in size, between a mouse and a rat. One of their distinctive traits is their large incisors, which grow continuously. They are mostly herbivorous, although some are omnivorous.

Many species have associated with humans and have reached all corners of the planet, from deserts to tropical jungles, high mountain areas, and even polar regions.

Of the 2,280 species, 200–300 are considered pests, either because of economic damage or because they carry diseases like rabies, plague, salmonellosis, viral hemorrhagic fever, or typhus. They can also damage walls, pipes, and cables.

Many rodents, like rats and mice, have high fertility: females can have several litters multiple times a year and reach sexual maturity very quickly, ensuring species survival and making them a real headache for many.