THE GIANT RAT 



consequence, has been named a sub-species (Crice- 

 tomys gamhianus cunc tutor). This Rat has been 

 placed under a separate genus to those in the genus 

 Rattus for, unHke the latter, it possesses cheek pouches 

 in which to store up food. 



THE GIANT RAT 



Otherwise known as the Gambian Rat 

 (Cricetomys gamhianus adventor) 



The Giant Rat is an inhabitant of Tropical Africa. 

 It has also been discovered in the extreme north-east 

 portion of South Africa, and therefore is included 

 in the list of South African species. The Giant 

 or Gambian Rat lives in long burrows tunnelled 

 under dense bush and scrub. It feeds on a variety 

 of vegetable substances, and is very fond of wild 

 fruits and berries, which it often carries off to its 

 burrow. Its flesh is eaten by the natives, and is 

 stated to be very good. This Rat is inclined to 

 infest dwelling houses, barns, drains and piles of 

 lumber ; and owing to its large size it is capable of 

 doing a great amount of damage. As its name im- 

 plies, the Giant Rat is of unusual size, attaining a 

 length of 2 feet from the tip of the nose to the 

 root of the tail. The latter is longer than the head 

 and body. The fur of the back is coarse and pale 

 brown, with a slight grizzled appearance owing to 

 the tips of the hairs being yellow and black. The 



133 



