Giant pouched rat

A large African rodent in the genus Cricetomys, distinguished by expandable cheek pouches and a keen sense of smell. Several species inhabit forests, savannas, and human-modified environments.

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Cricetomys: A genus of large African rodents in the family Nesomyidae, commonly called giant pouched rats. This genus contains the animals called giant pouched rats.
Animal-assisted detection: The use of trained animals to locate substances or objects through sensory cues. Giant pouched rats use their smell to find targets in detection programs.
Gambian pouched rat: A large West and Central African rodent, Cricetomys gambianus, with cheek pouches and a long, mostly hairless tail. This species is the best-known giant pouched rat in detection programs.
African giant rat: A common name used for several large African rodents, including species outside the genus Cricetomys. The overlapping name can obscure the taxonomic distinction between these rodents.
Nesomyidae: A family of rodents native to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Giant pouched rats belong to this African rodent family.
Tuberculosis: An infectious disease caused mainly by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, usually affecting the lungs. Trained rats can screen human sputum samples for tuberculosis-associated odors.
Emin's pouched rat: An African rodent, Cricetomys emini, found mainly in Central African forests. It is another recognized member of the giant-pouched-rat genus.
Nocturnality: An activity pattern in which an animal is primarily active at night. Nighttime activity is part of the natural history of many giant pouched rats.
Cheek pouch: A pocket formed from the cheek lining that can temporarily hold food or other material. Expandable cheek pouches let these rats carry food and objects.
Landmine: An explosive device designed to detonate when a person or vehicle triggers it. Rats have been trained to detect explosive compounds while searching minefields.