Discriminating between Thryonomys swinderianus and Thryonomys gregorianus

Abstract

Owing to the great similarity in external features between the two cane rat species, Thryonomys swinderianus and T. gregorianus, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between them, especially when dealing with juveniles and subadults. It becomes even more difficult when trying to identify similar-sized skulls. Additional characteristics of the skull are discussed that may be useful when used along with the original identification key. The presence of a bar across the foramen ovale in the skull of T. gregorianus proved to be the most heuristic. However, because it is not absent in all T. swinderianus skulls, it should be used in combination with the other characteristics.

Key words: cane rat skull identification, Thryonomys swinderianus, T. gregorianus, greater cane rat, lesser cane rat.