Here at the RatHole, we will be featuring a new rat each week. You will learn the habitat, range and size of the rat of the week, in addition to seeing a colorful illustration and learning the rodent's latin name. It's just our way of paying a little homage to the critters that inspired the site and offering a bit of educational value to you, our loyal readers. So while you're surfing the site in search of other trivia, don't forget to check back here from time to time to see the rodent of the week.
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African Grass Rat Arvicanthis abyssinicus |
| RANGE: |
W. Africa to Somalia and Zambia |
| HABITAT: |
savanna, scrub, forest |
| SIZE: |
body: 4.75-7.5 in; tail: 3.5-6.25 in |
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The grass rat is a highly social rodent, living in colonies which sometimes number up to a thousand. The rats dig burrows in the earth or, alternatively, may establish themselves in a pile of rocks. Their staple food is probably grass seeds, but they also eat sweet potatoes and cassava. They breed throughout the year. |
Rat information compliments of Macmillan Illustrated Animal Encyclopedia
Rat illustration by Graham Allen
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