Which common global rat species is explicitly mentioned as being distinct from the traditionally consumed wild game in China?

Answer

*Rattus norvegicus*

The text is careful to draw a line between the traditionally consumed meat source and common urban pests. When addressing the topic of eating rats in China, the discussion specifically excludes the common brown rat, scientifically termed *Rattus norvegicus*, as well as the black rat (*Rattus rattus*). These commensal species associated with city infrastructure are conceptually separated from the larger, often farmed, bamboo rats which are viewed as specialized wild game. Acknowledging this distinction between urban vermin and specialized wild animals is considered a vital piece of context often missing in generalized discussions.

Which common global rat species is explicitly mentioned as being distinct from the traditionally consumed wild game in China?
foodChinaconsumptionrat