Details
Cricetomys gambianus
Gambian pouched rat is a mammal associated with forests, savannas and urban edges. It is omnivorous and usually solitary. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Its range is represented here by the Afrotropics, where it uses forests, savannas and urban edges. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.
Typical length 25-45 cm, weight 1 kg-1.5 kg. It has a small agile rodent-like build, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.
It is mostly active at night and usually solitary. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.
It is omnivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in forests, savannas and urban edges, so movements often follow available food resources.
As a mammal, it gives birth to live young, and the mother nurses them in cover or within the social group.
Recorded scientifically as Cricetomys gambianus. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.
