All printables
Gambian Pouched Rat — printable fact sheet
Free to print or save as PDF. Great for classrooms, homeschooling, and young explorers.
Creature Atlas
Animal Fact Sheet
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
Gambian Pouched Rat
Cricetomys gambianus
The Gambian Pouched Rat is a large, nocturnal rodent native to sub-Saharan Africa. Distinguished by their cheek pouches, which they use for carrying food, these rats can grow up to 90 cm (including tail), making them one of the largest muroid rodents in the world. They are highl…
Did you know?
- A single Gambian Pouched Rat can search an area the size of a tennis court for landmines in just 30 minutes—a task that would take a human with a metal detector up to four days.
- Gambian Pouched Rats have been trained to detect landmines and tuberculosis due to their keen sense of smell. They are named for their large cheek pouches, which they use to store and carry food over long distances. Unlike most rodents, their tails are nearly as long as their bodies, aiding in balance and communication.
What I learned
Draw the gambian pouched rat
© Creature Atlas · www.creatureatlas.com · Free for classroom & personal use
Want the whole set?
Get printable fact-sheet packs, coloring pages, and classroom worksheet bundles for dozens of animals — ready to download and print.
Browse printable packsGet a free printable each week
Join the newsletter for a new Creature of the Week + printables.