Discover the Biggest Rat In The world:
Important Key Statistics
There are over 70 rat species.
The Coryphomys, although extinct, holds the record as the largest recorded rat.
Rodents constitute 40% of all mammal species.
Rats, among the most ubiquitous rodents globally, inhabit virtually any place where humans live, except for the frigid Antarctica.
Often considered pests, they display remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse environments such as swamps, rainforests, and fields.
Among the 70-plus species of rats, their sizes vary significantly.
While the typical body size measures around 5 inches (excluding the tail), some rats can grow substantially larger.
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Biggest Rat In The World Unveiled
5. The Mountain Giant Sunda Rat
It is also known as the Giant Rat of Sumatra.
These rats measure approximately 11.5 inches in body length, excluding their tails, which can extend an additional 10 to 12 inches.
They are native to the mountainous forests of Indonesia and Malaysia.
Typically, they sport a dark brown coat, occasionally adorned with light brown spots.
Their fur includes guard hairs that serve as protection, repelling water and shielding them from the sun.
Like many rats, the Mountain Giant Sunda Rat is an omnivore, with its diet comprising insects, small birds, plants, and fruits.
4.The Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat
The Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat, native to the Philippines’ Luzon island, can grow up to 15 inches in size.
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These rats have a distinctive appearance, featuring long fur, small ears, and a bushy tail, setting them apart from typical rats.
Their coloration ranges from black and white to various shades of grey, and some individuals are entirely white.
Unlike conventional rats, they primarily inhabit the upper canopy of rainforest trees, thanks to their large hind feet and long claws, even using tree hollows for birthing.
3.The Bosavi Woolly Rat
Deep within the heart of Mount Bosavi, an extinct volcano located in Papua New Guinea’s dense jungle, dwells a rat species so newly discovered that it lacks an official scientific name.
This unique creature, known as the Bosavi woolly rat, was first encountered in 2009 during the filming of a wildlife documentary.
It appeared as a massive rodent, measuring approximately 16 inches in length, with a similarly long tail, making a surprising appearance at the camp.
The Bosavi woolly rat exhibits a dark grey or occasional brown coloring and possesses thick fur, lending it a woolly appearance.
While limited information is available about this species, it is believed to primarily feed on plants and vegetation.
2.The Gambian Pouched Rat
In second place, we have the Gambian pouched rat, boasting a body size of 17 inches and an impressively long tail, reaching up to 18 inches.
Also recognized as the African giant pouched rat, these rats are native to most parts of Africa.
However, they have been labeled as invasive species in Florida due to escaped pets that went on to breed in the wild.
These rats sport dark brown upper bodies and grey or white bellies, along with a distinctive white-tipped tail.
Resembling hamsters, they have cheek pouches, which give them their name.
These rats possess an exceptional sense of smell and are even trained in Tanzania to detect land mines and tuberculosis.
1.The Sumatran Bamboo Rat
The world’s largest rat, boasts a body size of 20 inches.
Despite having a relatively short 8-inch tail, they surpass the Gambian pouched rat in body length and weight, tipping the scales at 8.8 pounds.
These rodents primarily inhabit China but can also be found in Sumatra.
They typically sport a dark brown coat, although gray variations exist, and feature small ears atop a round head, short legs, and a hairless tail.
Sumatran bamboo rats are burrowing creatures, seldom emerging above ground.
They have a knack for dining on plant roots, utilizing their intricate burrow system to locate food.
Although their diet primarily consists of bamboo, they also indulge in sugar cane, earning them a reputation as agricultural pests due to their crop-damaging tendencies.
