cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus, a large African rodent which also goes by the name grasscutter (especially in W. Africa) and ground-pig (a misnomer which has been current in S. Africa, perhaps because of its bristly hairs). It can live in various environments, mostly but not always in damp areas; enjoys an excellent vegetarian diet (roots, young shoots, bark, etc.); and is capable of causing havoc in some crops such as sugar cane.
The cane rat may reach a length, not including the tail, of nearly 60 cm (24") and provides a substantial amount of good meat. It is eaten on a large scale in sub-Saharan Africa.
