lesser cane rat

The lesser cane rat (Thryonomys gregorianus) is one of two species of large, stocky African rodents belonging to the genus Thryonomys. These rodents, weighing up to 7 kg (15 pounds) and growing up to 61 cm (24 inches) in length, inhabit nonforested sub-Saharan Africa.1

Lesser cane rats prefer grassy areas in moist savannas and tall grass on rocky hillsides, distinguishing their habitat from the greater cane rat, which favors areas near water and dense vegetation. They live in small family groups and are primarily nocturnal, though sometimes active during the day. Their diet consists of grasses, plants, bark, and fruits, but they are also known to eat crops, making them pests in agricultural areas. Despite this, they are a significant protein source for many Africans and are widely hunted. The cane rat family, Thryonomyidae, has no close living relatives and its evolutionary history dates back millions of years.1