The roof rat (Rattus rattus) is another introduced species in Kaelepulu pond and found in all parts of Hawaii. This rodent lives in wooded gulches, Keawe forests, agricultural areas, and around both wet and dry areas. The Roof Rats arrived in Hawaii on early sailing ships.

It's coloring can be from gray to jet-black, but the rat's underside can be either white or gray. The nose of the roof rat is very long and pointy, it's eyes are fairly large, it has thin ears, and it has a very slender tail. The roof rat can be from 5-7 inches long from head to tail. They are a pest because they feed on a variety of ornamental and native plant materials.