Gambian Pouched Rat Skull

Description

Gambian pouched rat skull replica measures 3.0 x 1.4 x 1.2 inches. The Cricetomys gambianus skull is museum-quality polyurethane resin cast from a California Academy of Sciences specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

The Gambian pouched rat, commonly known as the African giant pouched rat, is native to sub-Saharan Africa. These large rats range from 14 to 18 inches long. Named for their large cheek pouches, this nocturnal species is omnivorous. They feed on vegetation and invertebrates.

It has cheek pouches like a hamster. These cheek pouches allow it to gather up nuts, vegetables, insects, crabs, snails, and other food for storage underground. The giant rodents stuff their pouches so full that they can hardly squeeze through the entrance of the burrows.

Burrows consist of a long passage with side alleys and several chambers. It uses one chamber for sleeping and others for storage.

It has up to four litters every nine months. Each litter contains up to six offspring. Males are territorial and tend to be aggressive when they encounter one another.

Poor eyesight causes it to rely on its senses of smell and hearing. It lives in colonies of up to twenty. They usually live in forests and thickets.

They are kept as a pet and some have escaped from captivity and have become an invasive species in Florida.

Scientifc Classificaton

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Rodentia
• Family: Nesomyidae
• Genus: Cricetomys
• Species: C. gambianus
• Binomial name: Cricetomys gambianus
• Conservation status: Least concern

Searching to create an African rodent exhibit, search no more. Pairing the Northeast African mole rat skull replica, the greater cane rat skull replica, and the maned rat skull replica with the Gambian pouched rat skull is your answer.