The name "pouched rat" refers to their large cheek pouches. Emin's pouched rats are actually better climbers than their better known Gambian pouched rat cousins. The southern giant pouched rat is a large rodent, with males larger than females. The giant pouched rat is notable for being the largest of the muroids. However, other species, notably the Gambian pouched rat, have been trained to assist humans. However, other species, notably the Gambian pouched rat, have also been trained to assist humans. Ben, in the 2003 remake of "Willard", was a Gambian pouched rat.