12 November 2025

Maned Rats – any tips?

I’m off to Kenya next week, and going to someone’s property where I am told they have Maned Rats. Any tips on where to look? Any particular microhabitats they like to be in?

Thanks in advance!

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Post author

Daniel Wilcox
Co-chair for IUCN SSC Small Carnivore Specialist Group and Programme Manager for IUCN SSC Asian Species Action Partnership. Currently living in France: interested in connecting to anyone who has an interest in mammal watching in Europe or in South-east Asia
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3 Comments

  • 13 November 2025
    Jon Hall

    Best bet I think is to wander around with a thermal scope. I saw my Kenya rat waddling along the edge of a creek in the Abderdares at 3am. I have seen them in Djibouti poking around food scraps outside a lodge kitchen in bone dry forest. They also liked the vegetable garden there.

  • 14 November 2025
    Ewan Davies

    My sighting was very similar, if you’re looking for a pattern. Kenya, near the Aberdares, 5AM, by a stream while on foot using my thermal scope. Seemed quite content under red light and didn’t bolt.

  • 14 November 2025
    shortclaws

    Our sighting was around bushes and edge of grassland, not near water, but very near lodge outbuildings, Aberdare Country Club.

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