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Tumaren

Ecology and Conservation Observations in Laikipia, Kenya

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The Mother of All Rats

Category: Mammals | Date: Dec 16 2007 | By: tumaren

about 5 days ago, Kerry’s mum, julia rescued a giant rat who was being attacked by a black-tip mongoose. the rat is no ordinary rat, he is massive, and the largest rat-like rodent in Africa. He is a Gambian rat and this is the species that some people are using in Mozambique to look for landmines. Gambian rats tame down very quickly and are actually very friendly (as you can see from the pictures).
Anyway, a bit off subject as this report comes from Nairobi and not Laikipia but i thought it would be of interest for everyone to know about our recovering Gambian rat (he has sustained some minor injuries to the face and jaw but seems to be recovering fast). cheers, jc

rat1.jpgrat2.jpg

10 Responses to “The Mother of All Rats”

Marlis, on 16 Dec 2007

Thanks for that lovely picture of the Gambian rat. I had actually watched a film where I saw them sniff out landmines and I always wondered where those rats come from. What are you going to do with him (or her)? Do mongoose normally attack those rats? Would she have had a chance if you hadn’t rescued her?

James Christian, on 17 Dec 2007

marlis,
were only going to keep mr. rat long enough to recover. i have no idea if the mongoose is a fulltime enemy of the gambian rats as we have never seen them before in nairobi (they are very nocturnal). I don’t think he would have survived because he was just very listless when we got him and i could have imagined the mongoose coming back to finish him off

jack, on 17 Dec 2007

That is one big rat James. I had not even heard of them. I am not sure I would want it sitting on my lap… :)

James, on 17 Dec 2007

jack - i must say i wasn’t much of a rat person either before meeting this one yet he is just so friendly and docile - still he never got on my lap, just Julia who is mr. rats best new friend.

Wim, on 19 Dec 2007

Come on James, admit it… That’s a normal sized rat and Julia is just a very small woman!

Marlis Beyersdorff, on 20 Dec 2007

Hello James,
I just love zour little ratty and I hope he is fine and you are taking good care of him.
If rats are so intelligent that they can be trained to detact landmines what else might they be able to do!?
I think Mr. rat deserves a special place in all our heart.
Merry Christmas to all of you
Marlis

James, on 21 Dec 2007

Marlis,
I have passed your regards to Mr. rat and he appreciates the symapthy. Thank you and he sends his christmas best as he regains full strength.

Wim,
While Julia will be flattered at being called very small i can assure you that the rat is a real giant. if you didn’t know he was so friendly he would certainly make even the most rugged safari guide jump up on a table.

THERESA SISKIND, on 28 Dec 2007

Boy, that cutie is as big as my Sheba [Siamese cat]! I’m glad he is mending quickly. You know, when you think about it, rats have made more contributions/sacrifices to mankind then other species! Just something to “gnaw” on…

Wim, on 30 Dec 2007

I’m still not convinced James. Like that tortoise you ran over and tried to pass off as a rare breed… I smell a rat! A Happy new year to you.

James, on 09 Jan 2008

Wim, Despite your rat-doubts a very happy new year back. All is calming down here in Kenya now and here in the masai north everyting has been fine with no trouble. I wish the same could be said for all those poor people in western kenya and the nairobi slums. With more dialogue though i think the country may come out of all this stronger and wiser. I hope anyway. jc

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