Cane Rat

Cane Rat, large rodent living in tall, thick grassy areas in the wetter parts of Africa. Cane rats are brown in colour, and their hard, spiny fur gives them a speckled appearance. A large cane rat may reach a length of 70 cm (2 ft 4 in), and weigh up to 7 kg (15y lb).

Cane rats are mostly active at night, feeding on grasses, reeds, bulbs, and roots, and can become pests in sugar cane plantations. They are preyed upon by a number of animals, including leopards, pythons, baboons, and hawks. In some areas they are also hunted by the indigenous peoples, their flesh being regarded as a delicacy.

Cane rats live in small groups of up to ten individuals. These groups are usually made up of one male with several females and their offspring. Females give birth to two litters of four young twice a year.

Scientific classification: The cane rat is a mammal of the order Rodentia and the family Thryonomyidae. There are two species. The greater cane rat, which is classified as Thryonomys swinderianus, is widespread in Africa, while the lesser cane rat, which is classified as Thryonomys gregorianus, occurs only in small areas of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.