How long does a Dambo rat grow? - briefly
A Dambo rat reaches a body length of roughly 10–12 cm, with a tail adding another 13–15 cm, for a total length of about 23–27 cm. This size is typical for adult individuals of the species.
How long does a Dambo rat grow? - in detail
The Dambo rat (Cricetomys sp.) reaches an adult body length of approximately 12–15 cm (head‑to‑body) and a tail length of 13–18 cm. Total length therefore ranges from 25 to 33 cm. Body mass at maturity averages 200–350 g, with males typically heavier than females by 10–20 %.
Growth phases are well documented:
- Neonatal stage (0–2 weeks): newborns measure 3–4 cm and weigh 4–6 g. Rapid weight gain of about 1 g per day occurs as milk intake peaks.
- Weaning period (2–4 weeks): solid food introduction triggers a length increase of 2–3 cm. Body mass climbs to 30–45 g.
- Juvenile phase (1–3 months): linear growth slows to roughly 0.5 cm per week; weight rises to 120–180 g. Skeletal development reaches 80 % of adult dimensions by the end of this stage.
- Sub‑adult stage (3–6 months): growth rate drops to 0.2 cm per week. Individuals attain full adult length and mass between 5 and 6 months, depending on nutrition and ambient temperature.
Environmental variables influence final size. Populations in wetter, resource‑rich habitats tend toward the upper end of the length spectrum, while those in arid zones often remain smaller. Seasonal fluctuations in food availability can temporarily retard growth, extending the sub‑adult period by up to two months.
Measurement protocols standardize data: animals are restrained gently, head‑to‑base length recorded with digital calipers to the nearest 0.1 cm, tail length measured separately, and body mass obtained on a calibrated scale. Repeated measurements at weekly intervals provide growth curves used in laboratory and field studies.
In summary, a Dambo rat attains a total length of roughly 25–33 cm and a mature weight of 200–350 g within five to six months, with growth rates modulated by diet, climate, and sex.