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The Gambian pouched rat has very poor [[eyesight]], so depends on its senses of [[Olfaction|smell]] and [[Hearing (sense)|hearing]].<ref>{{cite journal |first1=M.A. |last2=Ogunbunmi |first2=T.K. |last3=Olopade |first3=J.O. |last4=Ihunwo |first4=A.O. |year=2014 |title=The olfactory bulb structure of African giant rat (''Cricetomys gambianus'', {{small|Waterhouse 1840}}) I: Cytoarchitecture |journal=Anatomical Science International |volume=89 |issue=4 |pages=224–231 |last1=Olude |s2cid=25811366 |doi=10.1007/s12565-014-0227-0 |pmid=24469950}}</ref> Its name comes from the large, [[hamster]]-like pouches in its cheeks. It is not a true [[rat]], but is part of an African branch of [[muroid rodent]]s. It typically weighs between {{convert|1.0|and|1.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Kingdon>{{cite book |last=Kingdon |first=J. |year=1997 |title=The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals |pages=199–200 |isbn=0-12-408355-2}}</ref> In its native Africa, the pouched rat lives in colonies of up to 20, usually in forests and thickets, but also commonly in [[termite]] mounds. It is [[Omnivore|omnivorous]], feeding on [[vegetable]]s, [[insect]]s, [[crab]]s, [[snail]]s, and other items, but apparently preferring [[Arecaceae|palm]] [[fruit]]s and palm kernels.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}
Unlike [[fancy rat|domestic rats]](Rattus Norvegicus Domestica), it has cheek pouches like a [[hamster]]. These cheek pouches allow it to gather up several kilograms of nuts per night for storage underground. It has been known to stuff its pouches so full of [[date palm]] nuts so as to be hardly able to squeeze through the entrance of its burrow.{{cn|date=February 2019}} The burrow consists of a long passage with side alleys and several chambers, one for sleeping and the others for storage. The Gambian pouched rat reaches [[sexual maturity]] at 5–7 months of age. It has up to four litters every nine months, with up to six offspring in each litter. Males are territorial and tend to be aggressive when they encounter one another.
==Diagnostic use==
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