Greater Cane Rat Skull

$110.00

As humans expanded into the cane rat’s native habitats, the cane rats likewise expanded from their native reeds into the plantations, particularly the sugar cane plantations from which they derive their name.

Description

Greater Cane Rat Skull Replica measures 2.3 inches. Greater Cane Rat Skull is museum quality polyurethane resin cast. Made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.

The Greater cane rat or Thryonomys swinderianus is one of two species of cane rats, a small family of African hystricognath rodents.

The cane rat lives by reed beds and riverbanks in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cane rats can grow to nearly 60 cm (2.0 ft.) in length and weigh a little less than 8.5 kg (19 lb.). It has rounded ears, a short nose, and coarse bristly hair. Its forefeet are smaller than its hind feet, each with three toes.

The Greater cane rat or Thryonomys swinderianus live in small groups led by a single male. They are nocturnal and make nests from grasses or burrow underground.

Individuals of the species may live in excess of four years. If frightened, they grunt and run towards water. So far, their conservation status is lower risk.

As humans expanded into the Greater cane rat or Thryonomys swinderianus native habitats, the cane rats likewise expanded from their native reeds into the plantations, particularly the sugar cane plantations from which they derive their name.

Their tendency to adopt plantations as habitat, where they feed on agricultural crops such as maize, wheat, sugar-cane and cassava, often earns them the label of agricultural pest.

The peoples of the region also utilize the cane rat as a food source (as bushmeat), considering the meat a delicacy.

Consequently, the Greater cane rat, Thryonomys swinderianus or grasscutters (as they are often called in Ghana, Nigeria and other regions of West Africa) are beginning to be raised in cages for sale.

Greater cane rats or Thryonomys swinderianus usually breed during the wet season. Females produce two litters per year consisting of 4 young. The gestation period typically lasts around 152 days. The pups are born well developed and become reproductively mature at about one year of age.

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Additional information

Weight 2 lbs
Dimensions 2.3 in
Greater Cane Rat Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Thryonomyidae
Genus: Thryonomys
Species: T. swinderianus
Binomial name: Thryonomys swinderianus
Conservation status: Least concern