The chestnut rat uses both the ground and trees. It occurs in forests as well as secondary growth and gardens, and its coat color varies across its range.
The back ranges from orange to yellowish brown, with longer dark guard hairs and stiff hairs mixed in. The belly is white to yellowish white, and the tail is darker above than below.
It uses both the ground and trees, and has been observed climbing hanging vines. Its hind feet have well-developed soft pads.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.