Least ConcernAardvark
Orycteropus afer
One of the 11 rats on WAnimals
Mammals · Rodentia · Nesomyidae
Cricetomys gambianus
The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk.
The northern giant pouched rat is a myomorph rodent of the family Nesomyidae. It belongs to a group of rats characterised by large cheek pouches in which they can carry a great deal of food. Along with mice, voles, hamsters and gerbils it forms part of the muroid superfamily, and within it is one of the largest species. Its eyesight is very poor and it relies on its senses of smell and hearing. It can be trained to find buried landmines, being easier to train and cheaper to keep than a dog.
Weight
1 kg – 1.5 kg
Size
25 cm – 45 cm
Life expectancy
8 years
Diet
Omnivore
Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.
Activity
Nocturnal
Active mainly at night.
Social structure
Solitary
Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.
Sources consulted: Wikipedia (es): Cricetomys gambianus
Parks and dive sites where this species has been documented — showing 10 of 56.
Other species in the catalogue with the most in common with Northern Giant Pouched Rat — same habitat, park, country, tags or family.
Based on what we already know about northern giant pouched rat.
The pins mark the parks where its presence is documented.
