Rice Rats are native on the Galápagos Islands. Rats represent the only terrestrial mammals that have organically come and established in the archipelago. As omnivores, they eat a range of fruits, seeds, insects, and even the rare egg. Rice Rats may be found in both dry coastal regions and moisture, greener mountains. When looking for a Rice Rat, males are more likely to be seen than females since they are bigger. They are believed to be low because of competition from the invasive Black or Ship Rat, which came with humans five centuries ago. The Rice Rat requires protection since they are susceptible to receiving lethal infections from these invasive rat species, perhaps leading to additional population declines. According to research, there have been 11 distinct species of rodents, eight of which are now extinct. This finding was made possible by fossils discovered in lava caves and tunnels on the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, as well as historical documents and current genetic analyses of Galápagos rats.