Greater Cane Rat
Thryonomys swinderianus
Silhouette: Kyle Finn · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassMammalia (Mammals)
- OrderRodentia (Rodents)
- FamilyThryonomyidae (Cane Rats)
- GenusThryonomys (Cane Rats)
- SpeciesThryonomys swinderianus (Greater Cane Rat)
About the Greater Cane Rat
The greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus), also known as the grasscutter (in Ghana, Nigeria and other regions of West Africa), is one of two species of cane rats, a small family of African hystricognath rodents. It lives by reed-beds and riverbanks in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Greater cane rats can measure in head-and-body length from 43 to 60 cm (17 to 24 in) with the tail measuring 16 to 19.5 cm (6.3 to 7.7 in). Typical weight is 3.2 to 5.2 kg (7.1 to 11.5 lb), in males averaging some 4.5 kg (9.9 lb), and females at 3.4 to 3.8 kg (7.5 to 8.4 lb). In some cases, greater cane rats can weigh to approximately 7 to 9 kg (15 to 20 lb). They are considered one of the largest rodents in Africa, behind only the Hystrix porcupines. It has rounded ears, a short nose, and coarse bristly hair. Its forefeet are smaller than its hind feet, each with three toes.
Cane rats are largely independent and they live in vaguely linked groups. Foraging is done alone. They are nocturnal and make nests from grasses or burrow underground. The typically reside near bodies of water, reed-beds, and thick vegetation. Individuals of the species may live in excess of four years. If... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Greater Cane Rat in Kruger National Park
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Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kruger National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 2 | Gonarezhou National Park | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | |
| 3 | South Luangwa National Park | 🇿🇲 Zambia | |
| 4 | Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 5 | Chobe National Park | 🇧🇼 Botswana | |
| 6 | iSimangaliso Wetland Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Greater Cane Rat in Kruger National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Greater Cane Rat sighting in Kruger National Park, based on 19 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Greater Cane Rat in Kruger National Park?
August has the highest sighting rate for Greater Cane Rat in Kruger National Park in our monthly data.