Want to know where and when to find Greater Cane Rat? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Greater Cane Rat in South Africa
About the Greater Cane Rat
One of Africa's largest rodents, the greater cane rat is a heavily built, coarse-haired animal found along reed-beds, riverbanks and dense riparian vegetation. It is nocturnal, sheltering by day in burrows or grass nests near water and emerging at night to forage on grasses, reeds and crops. If disturbed it grunts loudly and bolts for the nearest water.
How to identify the Greater Cane Rat
A large, thickset rodent with coarse bristly fur, small rounded ears and a short blunt nose, almost always found close to reed-beds or riverine vegetation. Distinguished from other large rodents by its bulk and near-total dependence on water-associated cover.
Did you know?
Despite being heavily hunted as bushmeat across much of Africa, the greater cane rat remains widespread and is increasingly farmed for meat rather than only hunted wild.
Also known as: Grootrietrot, Grasscutter
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Greater Cane Rat, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.