Cricetomys ansorgei Thomas, 1904

Common Name and Sexual Dimorphism

Cricetomys ansorgei, commonly known as the southern giant pouched rat, is a large rodent species where adult males grow larger than adult females.

Adult Weight

Adult males typically weigh between 1.5 and 2.0 kg (3.3 and 4.4 lb), while adult females weigh between 1.2 and 1.6 kg (2.6 and 3.5 lb).

Cheek Pouch Function

The species gets its common name from oversized cheek pouches, which the rats regularly use to carry large found food items back to their burrows for storage.

Total Body Length

The total body length from nose to tail tip is approximately 70 to 80 cm (28 to 31 in).

Fur and Tail Appearance

Southern giant pouched rats have dark brown to reddish fur on their backs, pale fur on their bellies, and a bi-colored tail that is brown for the first two-thirds of its length and white for the distal third.

Litter Size

Females produce small litters, usually containing between 1 and 3 young per litter.

Male Scent Marking Behavior

Males perform scent marking by rubbing their cheeks and anogenital areas, as well as depositing urine, and they tend to preferentially mark unfamiliar locations.

Geographic Distribution

The southern giant pouched rat is widely distributed across mainly tropical regions of southern Africa, with recorded presence in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Detection Use by APOPO

Through programs run by the organization APOPO, this species is used to detect tuberculosis and locate landmines.

Human Consumption

It is also commonly consumed as bushmeat.