World's Deadliest Rat Can Kill An Elephant With 1 Bite

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

Image: X/@johnccannon

The African crested rat, also known as the crested rat and the maned rat, is the deadliest of its kind

Image: X/@LilianNightstar

It is the only known poisonous rodent, and the only known mammal to sequester plant toxins for use as a defense mechanism

Image: X/@BrendanMLynch

The unique element of the crested rat is its killer abilities. One bite is enough to kill

Image: X/@sequinbirdie

In fact, the rat carries enough toxin to kill an elephant. It feeds on the bark of the African poison arrow tree, Acokanthera schimperi

Image: X/@KUACFMTV

The bark, as well as the roots, stems, leaves and seeds of this tree, contain acovenoside A and ouabaine. These are heart stimulating chemicals called cardenolides

Image: X/@PokeFrenzy

It also has a particularly thick dermis or skin, making it very resistant to bites, and a very long, strong, and flexible spine with four extra vertebrae

Image: X/@rath_22

This species lives in forests, savannah and shrubland, favouring rocky terrain, and nesting in hollow tree trunks, holes, and hollows

Image: X/@citrushark

Crested rats seem to be mostly solitary, sometimes living within a small family group of male, female and offspring

Image: X/@pilulasdolsd

Check More Stories

ndtv.com