habitat_narrative
Terrestrial|Freshwater (=Inland waters)
This species is typically found within reed beds or in areas of dense, tall grass with thick reed or cane-like stems, typical of riverine and other similar habitats. For example, in the Free State Province, it is associated with reed beds and dense grass around rivers, streams, vleis and pans, as well as irrigation dams, some water canals and mine dams (van der Merwe & Avenant 2004). It also uses thatching grass, which is of a similar reed-like structure. It is seldom found far from water and tends to inhabit the warmer areas of South Africa, although it has adapted to the winters of the Highveld (van der Merwe & Avenant 2004; N.L. Avenant unpubl. data). Smithers (1983) and Skinner and Chimimba (2005) note that agricultural crops (such as maize, wheat and sugar cane) have greatly improved the habitat for this species, such that it has become an agricultural pest in some regions. In the Kruger National Park, its distribution is confined to both the perennial and seasonal rivers (Pienaar et al. 1987). It has also become more common in urban areas and is regularly encountered in and on the edge of large cities.At more than 4.5 kg, Greater Cane Rats are the second largest rodents in Africa. They feed on roots, reeds and the stems of grasses along rivers and in other moist areas. Grasses eaten include Couch Grass (Cynodon dactylon), Swamp Grass (Hemarthria altissima), Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and Guinea Grass (Panicum maximum). While grasses are their principal food, they raid crops (such as maize, millet, sorghum, wheat, and sugar cane) and cause damage by cutting the stems at their base with their broad sharp incisors (Skinner & Chimimba 2005).
Greater Cane Rats are predominantly nocturnal or crepuscular. They are polygamous, with a single male observed with a number of females and their offspring. Although they are generally reported to be solitary, family groups of up to ten may live in restricted areas (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). Two litters of as many as 12 young are born annually (Skinner & Chimimba 2005), with two to four pups per litter the norm in all southern African countries for which data are available (van der Merwe 1999). In Greater Cane Rat farms in Benin, however, they breed throughout the year and litters of > 14 are frequently observed (Asibey 1974a; A. Durojave pers. comm.). No reproductive information is available for Greater Cane Rats in the Free State Province, but this is expected to be similar to the rest of the southern African sub-region.
Ecosystem and cultural services: This species is an important forage species for Crowned Eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus), as well as small and medium sized carnivores, such as Servals (Leptailurus serval), African Rock Pythons (Python sebae) and Leopards (Panthera pardus). It may also be an indicator and/or agent of ecosystem degradation.
In the Free State Province, for instance, the river systems in which Greater Cane Rats occur are all considered in poor to fair condition (River Health Programme 2003). Through competition with indigenous rodents, Greater Cane Rats may well exacerbate the poor state of these ecosystems, thereby degrading habitat integrity even further. Furthermore, although not much is known about their diet in the Free State, it is possible that they can become pests in lucerne, wheat and maize fields as their numbers increase. Studies elsewhere have indicated that a family of Greater Cane Rats can cause severe damageto such crops, stressing the importance and urgency of further studies on this issue in the South African interior for economic reasons. It is uncertain how they will affect the natural ecosystems and, therefore, their importance as an invader species in the Free State Province also needs further research.
Interestingly, this species is often portrayed as aggressive, and there are myths of them attacking sugar cane farmers, but in truth this is a very docile species. When caught, there is no form of aggression, and they have been found as pets in houses (N.L. Avenant pers. obs.). The skin of the cane rat breaks easily, possibly a drastic predator avoidance mechanism.
Finally, if managed correctly, Greater Cane Rats could become a source of cheap, low-carbon protein within the assessment region, through commercial farming on a sustainable basis (see Use and Trade).
