Predators include humans, servals, leopards, viverrids, pythons, and various birds of prey.
Known Predators:
Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic
Thryonomys gregorianus is the smaller of the two extant species in the genus Thryonomys. Thryonomys swinderianus is the larger of the two species. Lesser cane rat body measurements are: average head to tail length 380 mm; average tail length 90 mm; and average hind foot length 59 mm. Body mass can range from 2.65 to 7.5 kg. Thryonomys species are covered with bristle-like hairs that grow in groups of five or six, and lay longitudinally along their bodies. They lack underfur. Typical body coloration is speckled grayish brown or yellowish brown on the back and flanks, with grey or whitish under parts. The tail is sparsely covered with short bristle-like hairs, with scales present between hairs. The tail is brownish above and whitish underneath. Ears are short, rounded, and hardly extend beyond the body pelage. The forefoot has three well-developed central digits, while the first and fifth digits are smaller and almost non-functional. On the hind foot the digits are larger, but the first digit is absent. Each foot possesses a naked palm and thick, heavy claws. Lesser cane rats have short tails that barely extend past their outstretched hind foot. This is a distinguishing characteristic from their close relative, T. swinderianus, which has a tail twice the length of the foot. Lesser cane rats have two paired mammae compared with three in T. swinderianus. The dental formula is: i 1/1, c 0/0, pm 1/1, m 3/3. Adult skulls can be identified by the placement of three groves on the anterior surface of each upper incisor. The third, outermost groove is located near the outside edge of the tooth, rather than along the midline of the tooth as in T. swinderianus. Most adult and juvenile skulls can also be differentiated from T. swinderianus skulls by the presence of a bar across each foramen ovale, a square appearance of the pair frontal bones when viewed dorsally, and a right angle orientation of the zygomatic arch and the dorsal and ventral attachments of the outer rim of the infraorbital foramen on the lateral side of the skull.
Range mass: 2.65 to 7.50 kg.
Average length: 380 mm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: male larger
It is thought that Thryonomys gregorianus individuals rarely live past three years.
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 3 (high) years.
Lesser cane rats, occasionally referred to as savanna cane rats, inhabit moist grasslands dominated by elephant grass (Pennistum purpureum). They are also occasionally found along the fringes of swamps and in wooded areas. Individuals usually use tall grass for shelter, but have also been found digging shallow burrows or using rock crevices, termite mounds, and abandoned aardvark or porcupine holes. This species is considered non-aquatic, differing in habitat preference from the semi-aquatic Thryonomys swiderianus. Individuals have been recorded up to altitudes of 2,600 m.
Range elevation: 2,600 (high) m.
Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland
The genus Thryonomys is restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. Thryonomys gregorianus occurs throughout eastern Africa and into western Africa in the countries of Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. An isolated population also exists in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is likely that populations exist in Angola, however no records have been collected west of the Zambian border.
Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )
Lesser cane rats are herbivores that feed mainly on grasses and cane, but also feed on nuts, bark, fruits, and cultivated crops. They commonly gnaw on rocks, bones, and ivory. Lesser cane rat habitat is typically dominated by elephant grass and is therefore considered a principal food source. It is common for groundnut, sweet potato, cassava, maize, and pumpkin crops to be preyed on by these cane rats. Thryonomys gregorianus individuals also practice coprophagy.
Plant Foods: leaves; roots and tubers; wood, bark, or stems; seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit
Other Foods: dung
Primary Diet: herbivore (Folivore , Lignivore)
Lesser cane rats provide nutrition as a prey species to their predators. A species of anoplocephalid tapeworm, Thysanotaenia congolensis, was discovered in lesser cane rats in the Lake Kivv area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are the only known host for this species of tapeworm.
Commensal/Parasitic Species:
Thryonomys species are intensively hunted as an important source of protein throughout their range. They are typically hunted with dogs, spears, and fall-traps, or by burning vegetation. It is estimated that, in West Africa, 80 million are harvested annually, equaling 300,000 metric tons of meat. To increase meat availability, Thryonomys species have been domesticated and currently efforts are being made to expand the industry. Greater cane rats are preferred over lesser cane rats because of their larger body size, however it has been suggested that both species should be reared as part of the industry. Thryonomys species meat has more protein than chicken, rabbit, and guinea pig and lower fat than pork, beef, and lamb. The expansion of this domesticated market may also relieve pressure on wild populations of cane rats.
Positive Impacts: food
Thryonomys species can do considerable damage to sugar cane fields. Many plantations protect predators, such as pythons so that they can prey on cane rats, lessening crop damage. Cane rats also damage maize, millet, groundnut, sweet potato, cassava, and pumpkin fields.
Negative Impacts: crop pest
The ICUN Red List of Threatened Species lists lesser cane rats as a species of least concern due to their large population and wide distribution.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
Thryonomys gregorianus individuals have poor eyesight, but good senses of smell and hearing. Vocalizations include whistling and low hooting grunts. They will also thump their hind feet when alarmed.
Communication Channels: tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
In Thryonomys species, males initiate courtship by wagging their tails and treading the hind legs. If the female is attracted to these actions, the pair will rear up and touch noses, followed by copulation. Male cane rats also use nose to nose pushing duels to establish a dominance hierarchy within in their social group, which presumably influences mate selection by females.
Mating System: polygynous
Although little is known about reproduction in T. gregorianus, in most regions they seem to be seasonal breeders, reproducing during the wetter months. Two litters a year are possible under favorable conditions. It is thought that Thryonomys species reach sexual maturity after one year. Scarce records show pregnant females carrying 2 to 3 fetuses. Gestation in Thryonomys lasts approximately three months. Due to this low reproductive potential, exploited populations may take long periods of time to recover.
Breeding interval: Two litters a year are possible under favorable conditions.
Breeding season: Breeding usually occurs during the wetter months.
Average number of offspring: 2-3.
Average gestation period: 3 months.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 1 years.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 1 years.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; viviparous
Thryonomys gregorianus young are born precocial, are active shortly after birth, develop rapidly, and are suckled by the female in grass nests (forms).
Parental Investment: precocial ; female parental care ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female)
Thryonomys gregorianus és una espècie de rosegador de la família dels trionòmids. Viu al Camerun, Txad, la República Democràtica del Congo, Etiòpia, Kenya, Malawi, el Sudan del Sud, Tanzània, Uganda, Zàmbia i Zimbabwe. Es tracta d'un animal majoritàriament nocturn. Els seus hàbitats naturals són els herbassars, els boscos, les zones humides i les zones amb herbes semiaquàtiques. Es creu que no hi ha cap amenaça significativa per a la supervivència d'aquesta espècie.[1]
Thryonomys gregorianus és una espècie de rosegador de la família dels trionòmids. Viu al Camerun, Txad, la República Democràtica del Congo, Etiòpia, Kenya, Malawi, el Sudan del Sud, Tanzània, Uganda, Zàmbia i Zimbabwe. Es tracta d'un animal majoritàriament nocturn. Els seus hàbitats naturals són els herbassars, els boscos, les zones humides i les zones amb herbes semiaquàtiques. Es creu que no hi ha cap amenaça significativa per a la supervivència d'aquesta espècie.
The lesser cane rat (Thryonomys gregorianus) is a species of rodent in the family Thryonomyidae.[2] It is found in Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Mozambique. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, and shrub-dominated wetlands.
The lesser cane rat grows to a length of about 38 centimetres (15 in), about one quarter of which is the tail. Males are usually larger than females. The average weight of the lesser cane rat is 1.4 to 2.4 kg (3.1 to 5.3 lb) in males and 1.8 to 1.9 kg (4.0 to 4.2 lb) in females and they are a little less than half the size of the greater cane rat.[3] However, some males are as large as 3.5 to 5 kg (7.7 to 11.0 lb) about the size of an average greater cane rat.[4] The hair is coarse and rather bristle-like and lies flat against the body. The ears are small and almost hidden in the fur. The feet are long with three functioning toes, bare palms and strong claws. The back and sides of the animal are yellowish- or greyish-brown and the underparts greyish-white. The tail has a few bristles and scales and is brown above and white below.[5]
Its karyotype has 2n = 40 and FN = 80.[2]
The lesser cane rat is native to Central and East Africa and the more northerly parts of southern Africa. The main parts of its range are southern Sudan, the whole of Uganda, western Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe but it also occurs sporadically in some of the neighbouring countries. It is found in open grassy countryside, the fringes of marshland and in woodland and it has been recorded at an altitude of 2,600 metres (8,500 ft) above sea level in the Rwenzori Mountains.[1] It occupies much the same range as the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) but that species is more aquatic and frequents river banks and lakesides.[5]
The lesser cane rat is nocturnal and mainly moves around alone though it may live in a small family group. Though its eyesight is poor, it has a keen sense of hearing and individuals communicate with each other using grunts and whistles, and they may stamp their feet to warn others of danger. It is herbivorous and feeds on grasses, seeds, grain, fruit and other plant material. An important food item is often elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) but this rat is opportunistic and will also feed on crops such as peanut, maize, sweet potato, cassava and pumpkin.[5]
The breeding season is in the rainy season and there may be two litters in the year. The gestation period is about three months and the litter size is typically two or three young. These are precocial and are able to move around shortly after birth. They hide in nests in the grass where the female visits them at intervals to allow them to suckle. They become sexually mature at about a year and probably live three years.[5]
The lesser cane rat is assessed as being of "Least Concern" by the IUCN in its Red List of Threatened Species. Although the precise range of the lesser cane rat and its population trend are not known, it is a fairly common species and faces no specific threats. It is eaten as bushmeat in some parts of its range.[1]
The lesser cane rat (Thryonomys gregorianus) is a species of rodent in the family Thryonomyidae. It is found in Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Mozambique. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, and shrub-dominated wetlands.
Thryonomys gregorianus Thryonomys generoko animalia da. Karraskarien barruko Thryonomyidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Thryonomys gregorianus Thryonomys generoko animalia da. Karraskarien barruko Thryonomyidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Le Petit aulacode (Thryonomys gregorianus), appelé aussi localement « rat des roseaux », est une espèce de la famille des Thryonomyidae. Comme son nom l'indique ce gros rongeur africain est de taille plus modeste que l'autre espèce d'aulacode du même genre, le Grand aulacode.
Selon MSW :
Le Petit aulacode (Thryonomys gregorianus), appelé aussi localement « rat des roseaux », est une espèce de la famille des Thryonomyidae. Comme son nom l'indique ce gros rongeur africain est de taille plus modeste que l'autre espèce d'aulacode du même genre, le Grand aulacode.
De kleine rietrat (Thryonomys gregorianus) is een zoogdier uit de familie van de rietratten (Thryonomyidae). De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort werd voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd door Thomas in 1894.
De soort komt voor in Kameroen, Tsjaad, Congo-Kinshasa, Ethiopië, Kenia, Malawi, Soedan, Tanzania, Oeganda, Zambia en Zimbabwe.
Bronnen, noten en/of referentiesDe kleine rietrat (Thryonomys gregorianus) is een zoogdier uit de familie van de rietratten (Thryonomyidae). De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort werd voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd door Thomas in 1894.
Multimedia w Wikimedia Commons Szczeciniec mniejszy[6] (Thryonomys gregorianus) (ang. Lesser cane rat, Smaller grascutter) – gatunek afrykańskiego gryzonia z rodziny szczecińcowatych (Thryonomyidae) z rodzaju szczeciniec (Thryonomys)[7][6].
Thryonomys gregorianus należy do parworzędu Phiomorpha – afrykańskiego odpowiednika taksonu Caviomorpha grupującego południowoamerykańskie gryzonie infrarzędu jeżozwierzokształtnych[8]. Część zoologów[4] rozróżnia dwa podgatunki: T. gregorianus gregorianus Thomas, 1894, oraz T. gregorianus sclateri Thomas, 1897, lecz kwestia czy podział jest zasadny jest nierozstrzygnięta. Do rodzaju Thryonomys należy także Szczeciniec większy (Thryonomys swinderianus)[6].
Nazwa rodzajowa Thryonomys pochodzi od greckich słów: thryon oznaczającego trzcinę, oraz mys znaczącego „mysz” i jest prawdopodobnie aluzją do życia wśród trzcin[9]. W literaturze spotykana jest także synonimiczna nazwa gatunku – Aulacodus gregorianus[3].
W Afryce i krajach anglojęzycznych funkcjonują nazwy: Lesser cane rat[4], Lesser savanna cane rat[10], czy też Smaller grasscutter[11]. W krajach francuskojęzycznych Afryki używane jest określenie Le petit aulacode[12].
W wydanej w 2015 roku przez Muzeum i Instytut Zoologii Polskiej Akademii Nauk publikacji „Polskie nazewnictwo ssaków świata” gatunkowi nadano nazwę szczeciniec mniejszy, rezerwując nazwę szczeciniec dla rodzaju tych gryzoni[6].
Pod względem morfologii Thryonomys gregorianus jest bardzo zbliżony szczeciniec (Thryonomys swinderianus)[13][14], jest jednak od niego wyraźnie mniejszy. Długość ciała wynosi 35–50,7 cm, zaś samego ogona 6,5–14,3 cm[7]. Dla porównania T. swinderianus mierzy 40-60 cm, zaś sam ogon 20-25 cm[14]. Również waga jest mniejsza: 2,65–7,5 kg (T. swinderianus: 3,4 do max. 12 kg).
Obydwa gatunki Thrynomys rodzą się z czterema siekaczami[15][16], których nie wymieniają w czasie dojrzewania. Zęby są w kolorze żółtym lub pomarańczowym. Jak u wszystkich gryzoni, siekacze rosną przez całe życie[2], co powoduje konieczność ciągłego ich ścierania. Uzębienie jest uznawane za raczej kruche[14].
Gatunek pospolicie występuje w sawannach Afryki południowo–wschodniej na wysokości do 2600 m – od Kamerunu, do północnej Angoli na zachodzie, do południowych krańców Kenii, Tanzanii i Mozambiku na wschodzie[7]. Inne źródła wskazują także na Republikę Środkowoafrykańską, Czad, południowy Sudan, Etiopię, Ugandę, Malawi, Zambię, Zimbabwe[5]. Kruger National Park[17] podaje jednak, że T. gregorianus występuje włącznie w Zimbabwe i Mozambiku.
Przodkowie gatunków rodzaju Thryonomys mieszkali w rejonie środkowej Sahary w epoce plejstocenu[18]. Poszczególni badacze wskazywali na różne lokalizacje i nazwy: Alfred Romer i Paul Nesbitt pisali o śladach T. logani znalezionych około 800 km od rzeki Niger[18], a Dorothea Bate opisywała ślady T. arkelli odnalezione w Sudanie[19]. Brak jednak badań czy byli to bezpośredni przodkowie T. gregorianus lub T. swinderianus, czy też gatunki spokrewnione.
T. gregorianus jest roślinożercą o szerokim spektrum składników wyżywienia. Motorem trawienia jest fermentacja bakteryjna w kątnicy[9]. Podstawowym elementem diety są trawy o wysokiej zawartości włókna[14], zasobne w wilgoć i węglowodany[12].
Mięso obu gatunków Thryonomys należy do jednych z najbardziej poszukiwanych i najdroższych w zachodniej Afryce[20][21]. Jest dla miejscowej ludności cennym źródłem białka[22][23].
Na T.gregorianus pasożytują tasiemce Thysanotaenia congolensis[10].
Żyją na podmokłych, trawiastych terenach. Lubią lasy sawanny[24], bagna i brzegi rzek[25]. Czasami zamieszkują pola uprawne i zjadają plony.
W Afryce powstaje coraz więcej farm hodujących gryzonie z rodzaju Thryonomys[20]. Powodem są walory smakowe mięsa, niskie koszty i łatwość założenia hodowli[26] oraz duża jej opłacalność. Hodowle są prowadzone na terenach wiejskich i podmiejskich. Produkcja mięsa z gryzoni [Thryonomys spotyka się z zachętą rządów poszczególnych państw afrykańskich, które upatrują w niej jednego ze sposobów zapewnienia wyżywienia lokalnej ludności[27][24]. Według danych z 2010 roku, rocznie na rynek lokalny Afryki Subsaharyjskiej trafia ponad 73 tony mięsa tych zwierząt, pochodzącego z uboju ponad 15.000 sztuk[2].
Mało jest informacji na temat zagrożeń T. gregorianus. Prawdopodobnie jednak populacja tych zwierząt jest dość intensywnie przetrzebiana[21][28] jak siostrzany gatunek T. swinderianus. Głównie ze względu na poszukiwane mięso, ale także są wybijane jako szkodniki niszczące uprawy – w tym szczególnie trzciny cukrowej[17]. Dużym zagrożeniem dla gatunku są także wielkie pożary buszu[21].
Szczeciniec mniejszy (Thryonomys gregorianus) (ang. Lesser cane rat, Smaller grascutter) – gatunek afrykańskiego gryzonia z rodziny szczecińcowatych (Thryonomyidae) z rodzaju szczeciniec (Thryonomys).
Thryonomys gregorianus é uma espécie de roedor da família Thryonomyidae.
Pode ser encontrado nos Camarões, Chade, República Democrática do Congo, Uganda, Sudão, Etiópia, Quênia, Tanzânia, Maláui, Zâmbia, Zimbábue e possivelmente Moçambique.
Thryonomys gregorianus é uma espécie de roedor da família Thryonomyidae.
Pode ser encontrado nos Camarões, Chade, República Democrática do Congo, Uganda, Sudão, Etiópia, Quênia, Tanzânia, Maláui, Zâmbia, Zimbábue e possivelmente Moçambique.
Thryonomys gregorianus[2] är en däggdjursart som först beskrevs av Thomas 1894. Thryonomys gregorianus ingår i släktet Thryonomys och familjen rörråttor.[3][4] IUCN kategoriserar arten globalt som livskraftig.[1] Det svenska trivialnamnet mindre sockerrörsråtta förekommer för arten.[5]
Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.[3] Wilson & Reeder (2005) skiljer mellan två underarter.[2]
Arten är med en kroppslängd (huvud och bål) av cirka 38 cm, en svanslängd av ungefär 9 cm och en vikt av 2,65 till 7,5 kg mindre än rörråttornas andra medlem. Den borstiga pälsen på ovansidan har en gråbrun till gulbrun färg, undersidan är vitaktig. På den korta svansen förekommer främst fjäll samt några hår mellan fjällen. Svansen är bara lite längre än de utsträckta bakbenen medan Thryonomys swinderianus har en tydlig längre svans. Dessutom har honor av den mindre rörråttan bara två par spenar och honor av den större arten tre par. Thryonomys gregorianus har korta avrundade öron som huvudsakligen är gömda i pälsen. Båda arter inom familjen har en förminskad tumme och lillfinger vid framtassen och de saknar stortå vid bakfoten.[6]
Denna gnagare förekommer i östra Afrika från Sydsudan till Zimbabwe. Arten når i bergstrakter 2600 meter över havet. Habitatet utgörs av fuktiga gräsmarker eller områden med träd eller buskar.[1]
Individerna är främst aktiva på natten men kan även vara dagaktiv. De lever vanligen ensam eller i små flockar.[1]
Flocken kan ha upp till 12 medlemmar och reviret är oftast 3000 till 4000 m² stort. Hanar strider ibland mot varandra om en bättre plats i hierarkin. De pressar nosen mot varandra och när en individ vikar sig flyttar den starkare individen stjärten framåt och slår den underlägsna individen ur balansen.[6]
Thryonomys gregorianus äter främst gräs, stjälkar och andra gröna växtdelar. Dessutom ingår rotfrukter, frön, frukter, bark, nötter och grönsaker i födan. Arten äter ibland sin egen avföring för att förbättra ämnesomsättningen (koprofagi).[6]
Fortplantningen sker främst under regntiden och så kan honor ha två kullar per år. Dräktigheten varar ungefär tre månader och sedan föds 2 eller 3 ungar. Ungarna kan gå kort efter födelsen och de växer fort. Efter cirka ett år är ungarna könsmogna. Under goda förhållanden kan Thryonomys gregorianus leva tre år.[6]
Denna gnagare jagas för köttets skull och den är liksom den andra rörråttan mycket vanlig på afrikanska marknader. Rörråttor uppfödas även i fångenskap.[6]
Vilda individer som hämtar sin föda från odlade områden betraktas som skadedjur.[6]
Wikispecies har information om Thryonomys gregorianus.
Thryonomys gregorianus är en däggdjursart som först beskrevs av Thomas 1894. Thryonomys gregorianus ingår i släktet Thryonomys och familjen rörråttor. IUCN kategoriserar arten globalt som livskraftig. Det svenska trivialnamnet mindre sockerrörsråtta förekommer för arten.
Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life. Wilson & Reeder (2005) skiljer mellan två underarter.
Щетинець малий, або Малий очеретяний щур (Thryonomys gregorianus) — вид гризунів родини Щетинцеві (Thryonomyidae), який мешкає у південній та східній Африці, а також у північній частині південної Африки.
Малий очеретяний щур досягає розмірів 520 мм, але хвіст має коротший ніж у щетинця великого і має чотири молочні залози замість шести. Також, на відміну від Thryonomys swinderianus, цей "щур" зустрічається у сухіших місцевостях, серед виходів гірських порід на поверхню, на сухих руслах річок і в саванах.
Діапазон поширення по висоті: від рівня моря до 2000 м, але може перебувати й на більших висотах. Живе у трав'янистій і лісовій місцевості і пов'язаний з водно-болотними угіддями. Найкраще почувається серед напівводних трав. Тварини часто поодинокі, але іноді зустрічаються в невеликих групах. Розмір приплоду 3-4 новонароджених.
Щетинець малий, або Малий очеретяний щур (Thryonomys gregorianus) — вид гризунів родини Щетинцеві (Thryonomyidae), який мешкає у південній та східній Африці, а також у північній частині південної Африки.
Thryonomys gregorianus là một loài động vật có vú trong họ Thryonomyidae, bộ Gặm nhấm. Loài này được Thomas mô tả năm 1894.[2]
Bài viết về một loài thuộc bộ Gặm nhấm này vẫn còn sơ khai. Bạn có thể giúp Wikipedia bằng cách mở rộng nội dung để bài được hoàn chỉnh hơn. Thryonomys gregorianus là một loài động vật có vú trong họ Thryonomyidae, bộ Gặm nhấm. Loài này được Thomas mô tả năm 1894.
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Малая тростниковая крыса [1] (лат. Thryonomys gregorianus) — вид грызунов рода тростниковые крысы. Некоторые исследователи выделяют его в отдельный род Choeromys. Видовое название дано в честь шотландского исследователя Джона Уолтера Грегори (1864—1932)[2]. Она населяет не только влажные заболоченные места, но и сухие участки саванн, заросли кустарника на склонах гор на высоте до 2600 м над уровнем моря. Бывает активна днём. Питанием и образом жизни мало отличается от большой тростниковой крысы.
Обитает малая тростниковая крыса в Камеруне, Чаде, Конго, Судане, Эфиопии, Кении, Уганде, Малави, Танзании, Замбии и Зимбабве.
Малая тростниковая крыса (лат. Thryonomys gregorianus) — вид грызунов рода тростниковые крысы. Некоторые исследователи выделяют его в отдельный род Choeromys. Видовое название дано в честь шотландского исследователя Джона Уолтера Грегори (1864—1932). Она населяет не только влажные заболоченные места, но и сухие участки саванн, заросли кустарника на склонах гор на высоте до 2600 м над уровнем моря. Бывает активна днём. Питанием и образом жизни мало отличается от большой тростниковой крысы.
Обитает малая тростниковая крыса в Камеруне, Чаде, Конго, Судане, Эфиопии, Кении, Уганде, Малави, Танзании, Замбии и Зимбабве.
작은사탕수수쥐(Thryonomys gregorianus)는 사탕수수쥐과에 속하는 설치류의 일종이다.[2] 카메룬과 차드, 콩고민주공화국, 에티오피아, 케냐, 말라위, 남수단, 탄자니아, 우간다, 잠비아, 짐바브웨에서 발견되며, 모잠비크에서도 서식하는 것으로 추정하고 있다. 자연 서식지는 아열대 또는 열대 건조 기후의 관목 지대와 건조 저지대 초원 그리고 관목이 우거진 습지이다.
작은사탕수수쥐의 몸길이는 약 38cm까지 자라며, 꼬리 길이는 몸길이의 약 1/4이다. 몸무게는 최대 7.5kg이고, 일반적으로 수컷이 암컷보다 크다. 털은 거칠고, 오히려 떳떳하며, 몸에 대해 평평하게 눕는다. 귀는 작고 털 속에 거의 감춰진다. 발은 길고, 기능적인 세 개의 발가락과 털이 없는 발바닥 그리고 강한 발톱을 갖고 있다. 등과 옆구리는 노란색이 감돌거나 회색빛의 갈색을 띠며, 하체 쪽은 회색빛 흰색이다. 꼬리는 다소 뻣뻣한 털과 비늘을 갖고 있으며, 윗쪽은 갈색 그리고 아랫쪽은 흰색을 띤다.[3] 핵형은 2n = 40과 FN = 80을 갖는다.[2]
작은사탕수수쥐는 중앙아프리카와 동아프리카의 토착종으로 남아프리카의 좀더 북부 지역에서도 발견된다. 주 분포 지역은 수단 남부 지역, 우간다 전지역, 케냐 서부, 탄자니아, 잠비아, 말라위 그리고 짐바브웨지만, 일부 인근 국가에서도 간헐적으로 발견된다. 앞이 트이고 풀이 많은 시골 지역, 습지 변두리 그리고 산림 지역에서 발견되며, 루웬조리 산의 해발 2600m 고도에서 발견된 기록이 있다.[1] 큰사탕수수쥐(Thryonomys swinderianus)와 거의 같은 지역에 분포하지만, 좀더 물가와 강기슭 그리고 호숫가에서 발견된다.[3]
작은사탕수수쥐는 야행성 동물로 주로 홀로 이동하며, 작은 무리를 지어 생활한다. 시력은 좋지 않지만, 청각은 예민하고 꿀꿀거리는 소리와 휘파람을 이용하여 다른 개체와 서로 의사 소통을 하고, 다른 종의 위협을 경고하기 위해 발을 밟을 수도 있다. 초식동물로 풀과 씨앗, 곡물, 열매 그리고 다른 식물을 먹는다. 코끼리풀(우간다수크령, Pennisetum purpureum)이 중요한 먹이의 하나지만, 편식하지 않고 땅콩과 옥수수, 고구마, 카사바 그리고 호박과 같은 곡물을 먹기도 한다.[3]
우기에 번식을 하고 한 해에 두 번 새끼를 낳는다. 임신 기간은 약 3달이고, 한 번에 한 마리 또는 세 마리의 새끼를 낳는다. 성장이 빨라서, 태어난 지 얼마 지나지 움직일 수 있다. 암컷이 풀 속 둥지에 숨은 새끼를 방문하여 젖을 물린다. 약 1년이 지나면 성적으로 성숙해지고 수명은 3년으로 추정된다.[3]
작은사탕수수쥐는 국제 자연 보전 연맹(IUCN)이 IUCN 적색 목록에서 "관심대상종"으로 분류하고 있다. 작은사탕수수쥐의 정확한 분포 지역과 개체수 추이는 알려져 있지 않지만, 상당히 흔한 종으로 특별한 위협 요인은 없다. 일부 분포 지역에서 부시미트(야생동물고기)로 먹는다.[1]
