The maned, or crested rat is native to regions of Eastern Africa including Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan Tanzania and Uganda. This species has several unique defensive adaptations including erecting its back pelage to resemble a porcupine, discharge of a foul odor and an awkward thrashing behavior. All of these are likely adaptations to its slow movement. The maned rat has unique skull characteristics with boney ridges and plates covering most of the cranium. Maned rats are nocturnal, herbivorous and solitary.