The Emin's pouched rat (Cricetomys emini), also known as the African pouched rat, is a species of giant pouched rat in the Nesomyidae family. It is related to the Gambian pouched rat, (Cricetomys gambianus). They are native to Africa and are found along the edges of forests and along the plains. Emin's rats are actually better climbers than their better known Gambian pouched rat cousins. These pouched rats are named for having cheek pouches much like a hamster. Emin's rat and the Gambian rat have a few very noticeable physical differences: