Source: Wikimedia Commons
Acacia Rat
IntermediateAcacia rat
Small African rodent with large eyes and ears, nocturnal. Excellent climber preferring vertical cage setups. Can become shoulder-tame with patience.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
18〜26℃
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
10-18cm (excl. tail) / 40-80g
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Rodent pellets, seeds, insects, fruits
About
The acacia rat (Thallomys paedulcus) is a small arboreal rodent native to sub-Saharan Africa, with distribution including Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique. Adults measure 10–18 cm in body length (excluding the tail) and weigh 40–80 g. As their name suggests, they are closely associated with acacia trees, in which they construct nests in hollows and dense foliage. They are highly skilled climbers, using their tail for balance while traversing branches. As an exotic species with limited captive husbandry literature, they are best suited for experienced small exotic mammal keepers. Social by nature, they thrive in same-sex groups rather than in solitary housing. An enclosure with extensive climbing opportunities—branches, ropes, and platforms—is essential. Diet is omnivorous: insects, seeds, fruits, and fresh vegetation. Optimal temperature is 22–28 °C. Common health concerns include parasites, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. Lifespan is approximately 2–4 years.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
10-18cm (excl. tail) / 40-80g
Temperature
18〜26℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Rodent pellets, seeds, insects, fruits
References & Sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Acacia rat (Sundevall, 1846)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
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