Science
The African Crested Rat Covers Itself With Poison That Can Take Out an Elephant – The New York Times
The African crested rat gnaws on poisonous tree branches, then grooms its noxious spittle into its fur.
Scientists still arent sure how often the rats anoint, or even how they tolerate the toxins themselves, especially if some of it ends up going down their gullets. (Like all other rodents, they are incapable of vomiting.)
For all their toxic toughness, though, the rats seem to enjoy surprisingly heartwarming private lives. The researchers found evidence that some of the male and female rats might go steady, or even jointly care for their young, while in captivity.
Monogamy is very rare in mammals,…
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