How difficult is it to keep Gambian Pouched Rat?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the lifespan of Gambian Pouched Rat?

The average lifespan of Gambian Pouched Rat is 5-7 years in captivity (up to 8). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Gambian Pouched Rat get?

Gambian Pouched Rat typically reaches 65-91cm total length incl. tail / 1.0-1.4kg as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Gambian Pouched Rat?

Gambian Pouched Rat feeds on: Rat pellets, fruit, vegetables, nuts, insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Gambian Pouched Rat?

The price of Gambian Pouched Rat varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Gambian Pouched Rat

Intermediate

Cricetomys gambianus

One of Africa's largest rodents, nearly 90 cm including the tail. Carries food in cheek pouches and is famous as a landmine-detection rat. Tames readily but needs a large enclosure.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

18〜26℃

Lifespan

5-7 years in captivity (up to 8)

Size

65-91cm total length incl. tail / 1.0-1.4kg

Humidity

40〜60%

Diet

Rat pellets, fruit, vegetables, nuts, insects

About

The Gambian pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus) is a large rodent of the family Nesomyidae, widespread south of the Sahara from Senegal to Kenya and Angola to Mozambique. Its long tail makes up half its length and it stuffs food into cheek pouches; it is omnivorous, eating palm fruit, seeds, insects, crabs and snails. Nocturnal, it stays almost inactive by day in burrows in forest and thicket. Its keen nose is why a closely related species is trained by APOPO to detect landmines and tuberculosis. The species was blamed for the 2003 monkeypox outbreak in the US Midwest, after which the CDC and FDA banned its import. Even a large rat cage is too small; it needs a dog-pen sized enclosure with thick chew wood and hides. Tame individuals are calm, but they defend nests aggressively and males fight. IUCN Least Concern, not CITES-listed. Imports into Japan fall under the rodent notification system of the Infectious Diseases Control Act.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Gambian Pouched Rat

The Gambian Pouched Rat lives 5-7 years in captivity (up to 8).

Captive lifespan is 5-7 years, occasionally 8.

Size of the Gambian Pouched Rat

The Gambian Pouched Rat grows to 65-91cm total length incl. tail / 1.0-1.4kg.

Total length including the tail reaches 65-91 cm and weight 1.0-1.4 kg (up to 1.47 kg).

Basic Info

Origin

Sub-Saharan Africa (Senegal to Kenya, Angola to Mozambique)

Lifespan

5-7 years in captivity (up to 8)

Care Specifications

Solitary

Sources: Animal Diversity Web Cricetomys gambianus / Wikipedia (en) Gambian pouched rat

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse, 1840

Authority databases: GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Domestic law: Imports into Japan fall under the Infectious Diseases Control Act notification system for rodents. The United States has banned import of this species since the 2003 monkeypox outbreak.

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List Cricetomys gambianus (LC) / MHLW Animal Import Notification System (Infectious Diseases Control Act)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.