Scientific Name: Thryonomys swinderianus
Common Name: Greater cane rat, Grootrietrot, Grosse Rohrratte, Toio da canna da zucchero, Bambusratte, L'Aulacode grand, Rata de cana de azucar, Siumbi, Vondo , Nhleti , Tsenzi, Bodi 
Description: Rat-like, it is as big as a rabbit with coarse, spiny hair. Despite it's name, it is more closely related to the porcupine. Speckled dark brown on the upper parts. The under parts are white/cream or light grey. The ears are small and rounded, almost hidden by the hair. The muzzle is blunt and has a protruding pad in front of the nostrils. The incisor teeth have two grooves near their inside edges. There are three fully developed toes on each foot, each with a slightly curved claw. The tail is short. 
Difference in Sex: Females are smaller. Females have three pairs of nipples on the flanks. 
Average Weight : males 4,5 kg and females 3,6kg
Habitat: Reed beds and thick, tall grass near water. Crops such as maize and sugar cane provide good habitat.
Habits: Mostly nocturnal but may also be active at dawn and dusk. Shelters in the densest parts of reed beds, holes and under tree roots. Grass and reeds are bitten off near the base and the stems are cut into short lengths which are eaten one by one. Small groups of up to about 10 live in patches of suitable habitat. If suspicious of danger they freeze, and if alarmed dash away and then stop suddenly. They swim well. Does not bite when alarmed but tries desperately to escape.
Main feeding time: Nocturnal
Size: Total length males 72cm, females 66 cm, tail males 19 cm, females 18 cm.
Gestation: Up to 8 per litter with an average of 4 are born after a gestation of 137-180 days. Young are born with hair and with their eyes open and they can follow their mother about after an hour. They are weaned at four weeks
Number of young at birth: 4 to 8 young are born from August to December
Communication: The alarm signal is a whistle. When alarmed they thump the ground with their hind feet.
Age: Unknown
Diet: Roots, shoots and stems of grass and reeds. Can become a pest by eating cereals and root crops such as potatoes and ground nuts.
Enemies: Serval and Python
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