The new infinite monkey cage episodes are up, which means today I learnt about moonrats.
This stinky (its pungent odour is frequently noted) little beast isn't really related to rats, but the closest living relative to hedgehogs.
Pretty much all hedgehogs are photogenic and wildly beloved. Moonrats? Stinky little thieves with racoony faces
You get hedgehogs all over Africa, Asia and Europe (the old world, it gets called), while moonrats are only found on the Malay peninsula and in Borneo and Sumatra.
This goth cousin to the hedgehog doesn't have spines, has similar solitary habits and likes to eat bugs but will happily scavenge any free protein you leave unguarded, much like Mrs. Tiggiewinkle.
I can't find anyone saying if they self annoint (spit up all over themselves) like hedgehogs do, but I'm going to assume they do because I would, if I was marvellous little beastie eating bugs and worms for tea.
They're usually white, or have a white face with some dark markings. I am guessing this is where they get their name from but, please, any passing biologist, please correct me.
