Giant rat
The term giant rat has been applied to various species of large rodents. They tend to be native to tropical and sub-tropical locations. Some have flourished in other climates, including the Coypu and the Gambian pouched rat, which have both become invasive species. Giant rats have also figured in popular fiction, where they are often portrayed as monster-like creatures.
By continent and country
The following are examples of giant rats and/or rodents.
Africa
- Gambian Pouched Rat
- Giant pouched rat
Asia and New Guinea
- Mountain Giant Sunda Rat
- Giant cloud rats
- White-eared giant rats
- Woolly rats
South America
By conservation status
Extinct species
- East Timor giant rat
- Tenerife Giant Rat
Giant rats in fiction
Fictional giant rats appear as monsters in fiction, role-playing games, computer games, and other venues of fantasy. Among the most notable of these are the Giant Rat of Sumatra, which appeared in the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, among others; Master Splinter of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; the giant rat featured in the Doctor Who serial The Talons of Weng-Chiang; and the "Rodents of Unusual Size" in The Princess Bride.