African Crested Rat vs. American Rat

Attribute	African Crested Rat	American Rat
Species	Lophiomys imhausi	Rattus norvegicus
Location	Sub-Saharan Africa	North America
Size	Medium-sized	Small to medium-sized
Appearance	Has a mane of longer hairs on its back	Typically brown or gray in color
Diet	Feeds on toxic plants to obtain poison for defense	General omnivores

Physical Attributes

The African Crested Rat, also known as the Lophiomys imhausi, is a unique rodent species found in East Africa. It gets its name from the distinctive crest of black and white hairs along its back. This rat has a slender body with a length of about 30-45 cm, including its tail. On the other hand, the American Rat, commonly known as the Norway Rat or Brown Rat, is a larger species with a more robust build. It typically measures around 20-25 cm in body length, with a tail that is shorter than its body.

Diet and Feeding Habits

The African Crested Rat has a specialized diet that sets it apart from other rodents. It is known for its ability to consume toxic plants, such as the poison arrow tree, without being affected by the toxins. The rat then uses these toxins to coat its fur, making it poisonous to predators. In contrast, the American Rat is an opportunistic feeder that will consume a wide variety of foods, including grains, fruits, and even meat. It is known to be a pest in urban areas due to its scavenging habits.

Behavior and Social Structure

African Crested Rats are solitary animals that are rarely seen in groups. They are nocturnal creatures that are most active during the night. These rats are known for their secretive nature and are rarely observed in the wild. On the other hand, American Rats are highly social animals that live in colonies with complex social structures. They are active both during the day and night and are often seen scavenging for food in urban areas.

Reproduction and Lifespan

The African Crested Rat has a relatively long gestation period of around 60 days, after which it gives birth to a litter of 1-3 offspring. The young rats are born blind and hairless and are dependent on their mother for care. In comparison, the American Rat has a shorter gestation period of about 21-23 days and can give birth to a litter of 6-12 pups. These pups are born with fur and are able to fend for themselves at a younger age. The lifespan of the African Crested Rat is around 4-5 years, while the American Rat typically lives for 2-3 years in the wild.

Habitat and Distribution

The African Crested Rat is found in the forests and woodlands of East Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It prefers dense vegetation for cover and is rarely seen in open areas. In contrast, the American Rat is a highly adaptable species that can be found in a wide range of habitats, including urban areas, farmland, and forests. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America.