What is the name of a rat with large ears? - briefly
The animal is commonly referred to as the long‑eared rat.
What is the name of a rat with large ears? - in detail
The animal most frequently identified as a rat possessing unusually large auricular appendages is the «African giant pouched rat» (Cricetomys gambianus). This species belongs to the family Muridae and is native to sub‑Saharan Africa. Its ears extend well beyond the typical dimensions observed in common Rattus species, providing enhanced auditory sensitivity that aids nocturnal foraging.
Key characteristics:
- Morphology: Head‑body length 25–35 cm; tail length comparable; ear length 4–5 cm, markedly protruding from the skull.
- Habitat: Savanna, woodland, and cultivated fields; frequently encountered near human settlements.
- Behavior: Omnivorous diet; capable of detecting insects and small vertebrates through acute hearing.
- Human relevance: Trained for detection of explosives and tuberculosis; valued in research for olfactory capabilities.
Another taxon occasionally referenced under the same description is the «large‑eared rice rat» (Oryzomys couesi), distributed across Central and South America. Distinguishing features include:
- Ear proportion: Ears constitute roughly 15 % of head‑body length, larger than in most Rattus counterparts.
- Ecology: Semi‑aquatic environments near marshes and riverbanks; diet primarily composed of seeds and aquatic invertebrates.
Both species exemplify the anatomical adaptation of enlarged pinnae, serving as the primary answer to the inquiry regarding a rat with pronounced ear size.