Greater cane rat

Description

Greater cane rats can measure in head-and-body length from 43 to with the tail measuring 16 to. Typical weight is 3.2 to, in males averaging some 4.5 kg, and females at 3.4 to. In some cases, greater cane rats can weigh to approximately 7 to. They are considered one of the largest rodents in Africa, behind only the Hystrix porcupines. It has rounded ears, a short nose, and coarse bristly hair. Its forefeet are smaller than its hind feet, each with three toes.

Behaviour

Cane rats live in small groups led by a single male. They are nocturnal and make nests from grasses or burrow underground. Individuals of the species may live in excess of four years. If frightened, they grunt and run towards water.

Interactions with humans

As humans expanded into the cane rat's native habitats, the cane rats likewise expanded from their native reeds into the plantations, particularly the sugar cane plantations from which they derive their name. Their tendency to adopt plantations as habitat, where they feed on agricultural crops such as maize, wheat, sugar-cane and cassava, often earns them the label of agricultural pest. However, the peoples of the region also utilize the cane rat as a food source (as bushmeat), considering the meat a delicacy. Consequently, these rats are beginning to be raised in cages for sale.

References ==

• Matthews, Jaman. "The Value of Grasscutters," World Ark, (January–February, 2008), pp. 23–24.

References

1. Child, M.F.. (2016). "''Thryonomys swinderianus''".
2. {{MSW3 Hystricognathi
3. van der Merwe, M.. (2007). "Discriminating between ''Thryonomys swinderianus'' and ''Thryonomys gregorianus''". African Zoology.
4. (2020). "A study of scientific publications on the greater cane rat (''Thryonomys swinderianus'', Temminck 1827)". Animal Models and Experimental Medicine.
5. Smithers, R. H.. (2012). "Smithers Mammals of Southern Africa". Penguin Random House South Africa.
6. "Micro-livestock/Part 4: Rodents/Part II".