East African savannah pouched rats are found in woodlands, forests and savannahs of Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These large rodents are named for the pouches in their cheeks.
The life of an East African savannah pouched rat
East African savannah pouched rats can grow up to two and a half feet long, weigh up to 4.5 pounds and live up to eight years. They tend to mate in the summer during the rainy season.
Females give birth to two to four pups. Pups remain nesting for about four weeks with their mother, who provides food and shelter. They become independent after about three months. They are omnivores that eat a variety of fruits, seeds and insects.
East African savannah pouched rats use their teeth to dig burrows at the base of trees and under boulders. They use these burrows for shelter and to store food. They are nocturnal, resting in their burrows during the day and seeking food at night.
East African savannah pouched rats have an incredible sense of smell that they use in remarkable ways. In Africa, these rats are trained to sniff out landmines and signs of illegal wildlife trafficking.
Their sense of smell also helps detect predators, which include nocturnal birds of prey, as well as wildcats and mongooses.
East African savannah pouched rat at the zoo
East African savannah pouched rats are ambassador animals at the zoo. They help educate guests about their species during special presentations.
Learn more about the zoo’s East African savannah pouched rats here.
