Well adapted for arboreal life, the gliding spiny rat has long, strong toes and sharp, curved claws with which it can grip the smoothest of bark. Its common name derives from its habit of leaping from branch to branch, spreading its limbs to utilize its gliding membrane as it does so. Gliding spiny rats make their nests in hollows in trees near water. They breed throughout the year, producing litters of 2 young after a gestation period about 60 days. The young are able to clamber around among the branches a few hours after they are born.