The Gambian pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus), also commonly known as the African giant pouched rat, is a species of nocturnal pouched rat of the giant pouched rat genus Cricetomys, in the family Nesomyidae. It is among the largest muroids in the world, growing to about 0.9 m (3 ft) long, including the tail, which makes up half of its total length. It is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal to Kenya and from Angola to Mozambique (although it is absent from much of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Emin's pouched rat is present) from sea level to 2,000 m (6,600 ft). There are also some secluded populations in the south Zimbabwe and in South Africa.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Northern Giant Pouched Rat being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Cricetomys ansorgei
- Cricetomys emini
- Uromys caudimaculatus
- Philander vossi
- Philander quica
- Bandicota indica
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Rodentia
- Family
- Nesomyidae
- Genus
- Cricetomys
- Species
- Cricetomys gambianus
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