The secret social lives of giant poisonous rats
Published Date: 11/19/2020
Source: sciencedaily.com
The African crested rat is the only mammal known to sequester plant toxins for chemical defense. A new study confirmed that the rabbit-sized rodent licks poison from the bark of Acokanthera schimperi, known as the poison arrow tree, into specialized fur. The researchers also discovered an unexpected social life -- the rats appear to be monogamous and may even form small family units with their offspring.