Gambian-Pouched Rat – Sub-Saharan Africa

Gambian pouched rats, also known as “African giant pouched rats,” are native to sub-Saharan Africa. They can grow up to three feet long, including their tail, and weigh as much as nine pounds. They are omnivores and feed on various items such as fruits, vegetables, and insects.

These creatures are incredibly popular as pets due to their intelligence and their ability to be trained to detect landmines and tuberculosis. In fact, Gambian pouched rats gained international attention after they were trained to detect landmines in Mozambique. They have also gained some notoriety for helping detect the early stages of tuberculosis in Tanzania.