What is the largest mouse in the world? - briefly
The biggest mouse species is the African giant mouse (Cricetomys gambianus), which can attain a total length of about 30 cm and weigh up to roughly 1 kg.
What is the largest mouse in the world? - in detail
The biggest extant member of the mouse family (Muridae) is the giant forest mouse, Leopoldamys sabanus. Adults reach a head‑body length of 18–22 cm, a tail of similar length, and a mass of 150–200 g, making it roughly three times larger than a typical house mouse.
Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia—particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia—the species inhabits lowland and hill forests with dense understory. Its elongated snout and large, dark eyes are adaptations for nocturnal foraging on the forest floor. The diet consists mainly of insects, seeds, and fallen fruit, supplemented by occasional small vertebrates.
Reproductive biology includes a breeding season that peaks during the rainy months. Litters contain 3–5 young, which are weaned after about three weeks. Lifespan in the wild averages 12–18 months, while captive individuals may live up to two years.
Conservation status is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion poses localized threats. Protective measures focus on preserving primary forest tracts and maintaining connectivity between forest patches.
Key measurements (average values):
- Head‑body length: 20 cm
- Tail length: 20 cm
- Body mass: 175 g
- Skull length: 3.5 cm
These dimensions establish Leopoldamys sabanus as the largest known mouse species in terms of overall size and weight.