The Karoo bush rat unlike most rodents creates a refuge made of interwoven sticks and is sited on the surface.

These stick lodges offer protection against the extreme climates, predators, and also a physiological refuge.

[5] In the Postberg Nature Reserve in coastal Western Cape Province, the rat uses the plant stems of the native bush shrub Exomis to make its lodges.

[6] In the family Muridae the Karoo bush rat has a strong correlation between reproduction, the abundant resources, and the occupation of the stick lodges.

[2] The Karoo bush rat is limited in diet due to its dry and arid climate.