Source: Wikimedia Commons
Acacia Rat
IntermediateThallomys paedulcus
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. 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. Common health concerns include parasites, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Acacia Rat
The Acacia Rat lives 3-5 years.
Lifespan is approximately 3–5 years.
Size of the Acacia Rat
The Acacia Rat grows to 10-18cm (excl. tail) / 40-80g.
Adults measure 10–18 cm in body length (excluding the tail) and weigh 40–80 g.
Temperature & humidity for the Acacia Rat
Optimal temperature is 22–28 °C.
Basic Info
Origin
Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique
References & Sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Thallomys paedulcus (Sundevall, 1846)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Acacia Rat Listings
Loading latest listingsFind listings for this species
