greater cane rat

The greater cane rat, scientifically known as Thryonomys swinderianus, is a large, stocky rodent native to sub-Saharan Africa. These animals can weigh over 15 pounds and reach lengths of up to 24 inches, excluding their short, sparsely haired tail. They have coarse, bristly brown fur, small ears, and blunt muzzles.1

Cane rats inhabit areas with dense, canelike stems, such as riverbanks, lakes, swamps, and tall grasses. They are swift on land and adept swimmers, primarily active at night but sometimes seen during the day. Their diet consists of grasses, plants, bark, and fruits, but they are also known to eat crops like sugarcane and corn, making them a pest in agricultural areas. Despite this, cane rats are a significant protein source for many Africans and are widely hunted. They are the only living members of the family Thryonomyidae, with an evolutionary history dating back millions of years.1