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Cricetomys ansorgei
Order: Rodentia > Family: Nesomyidae > Genus: Cricetomys > Species: Cricetomys ansorgei
Common Name: Southern Giant Pouched Rat [English]
Type Description
Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 7, 13:412.
Type Locality
Angola, Pungo Andongo.
Measurements
Total length: 720-820 mm
Head and body: 280-450 mm
Tail length: 365-460 mm
Hindfoot length: 71-80 mm
Ear length: 40-47 mm
Weight: 1-1.47 kg
Head and body: 280-450 mm
Tail length: 365-460 mm
Hindfoot length: 71-80 mm
Ear length: 40-47 mm
Weight: 1-1.47 kg
Description
The giant or forest pouched rat has pouches in the cheeks for storing food. The mottled tail and large size are recognizable characteristics. Look for large ectoparasites in the fur of the animal.
Distribution
Distributed throughout Africa south of the Sahara but not extending past northern Namibia or Botswana, this Cricetomys is found in various habitats including riverine thickets and rocky hills up to 3,500 m. (Kingdon, 1984, 1997)
Key References
1. Kingdon, J. 1984. East African mammals: An atlas of evolution in Africa. (Hares and Rodents). University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2B:550-554.
2. Kingdon, J. 1997. The Kingdon field guide to African mammals, AP Natural World Academic Press, Harcourt Brace & Company, San Diego, p. 199-200.
3. Nowak, R. M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. Sixth ed. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2:1344-1346, 1495-1496.
4. Swynnerton, G. H., and R. W. Hayman. 1951. A checklist of the land mammals of the Tanganyika Territory and the Zanzibar Protectorate. Journal of the East African Natural History Society, 20(6):274-392.
2. Kingdon, J. 1997. The Kingdon field guide to African mammals, AP Natural World Academic Press, Harcourt Brace & Company, San Diego, p. 199-200.
3. Nowak, R. M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. Sixth ed. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2:1344-1346, 1495-1496.
4. Swynnerton, G. H., and R. W. Hayman. 1951. A checklist of the land mammals of the Tanganyika Territory and the Zanzibar Protectorate. Journal of the East African Natural History Society, 20(6):274-392.