What kind of animal is the African dormouse? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is a type of animal native to Africa that can be kept like a hamster, and is very popular as a pet because it is very cute. It is an arboreal animal, and is agile because it can move by sticking its flat body to the tree.
What is the African Dormouse? Basic Stats
The African dormouse is a rodent classified in the Mammalia, Rodentia, Sciuridae, Dormouse family. Its scientific name is Graphiurus spp., and its English name is Dormouse. Its body length is only 6cm, and it weighs only about 10g. Its tail length is 4-5cm. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | アフリカヤマネ |
| English（英名） | Dormouse |
| scientific name(学名) | Graphiurus spp |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Rodentia、 Gliridae、Glirulus 哺乳綱、齧歯目、ヤマネ科、ヤマネ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 6cm |
| Weight（体重） | 10g |
Taxonomic position
The African dormouse is a rodent closely related to squirrels and mice.
- ドメイン：真核生物（Eukaryota）
- 界：動物界（Animalia）
- 門：脊索動物門（Chordata）
- 亜門：脊椎動物亜門（Vertebrata）
- 綱：哺乳綱（Mammalia）
- 目：齧歯目（Rodentia）
- 亜目：リス亜目（Sciuromorpha）
- 科：ヤマネ科（Gliridae）
- 属：アフリカヤマネ属（Graphiurus）
Habitat
As its name suggests, the African dormouse is widely distributed in Africa and mainly lives in the temperate zone. It is currently one of the most popular small animals in Japan.
① Distribution Area
The African dormouse (genus Graphiurus) is found
widely across the African continent.
Main Distribution
Sub-Saharan Africa
West Africa to Central Africa
East Africa
Southern Africa
👉 Each species’ distribution is divided into smaller areas.
② Main Habitats
The African dormouse is characterized by its highly adaptable environment.
Common Environments
🌳 Forests and tropical rainforests
🌿 Savanna forests
🌲 Shrublands and bush
🪨 Rocky areas and cliffs
🏠 Near human habitations (attics and warehouses) *In some areas
➡ “Can live anywhere there’s wood” type
③ Arboreal Lifestyle
Primarily lives in trees
Moves quickly between tree branches
May descend to the ground, but only for short periods
Hiding Places
Tree Holes (holes in trees)
Crevices in bark
Rock Crannies
Old Bird Nests
Crevices in man-made structures (attics, etc.)
👉 Prefers safe, dark, and confined spaces.
④ Climate Conditions
Tropical to subtropical climates
Many regions have both dry and rainy seasons
Almost no cold climates
Characteristic Adaptations
Enters a state of torpor during dry seasons or food shortages
Instead of full hibernation,
“energy-saving mode”
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The African dormouse looks like a hedgehog or a flying squirrel. Its fur is brown and gray-brown on the back. Its body is similar to that of a mouse, and its tail is covered with long hair. It looks like a small hamster, and has a distinctive squirrel-like tail. It is a nocturnal animal, and is very agile with excellent athletic ability. It is an arboreal animal, and can move by sticking its flat body to trees.
① Appearance
Overall Appearance
Body Length: 8-15cm
Tail Length: 6-12cm
Weight: Approximately 20-60g
Small and very light
Face/Head
Large, round eyes (nocturnal)
Short nose
Small, round ears
Expressive appearance
👉 Very “stuffed animal” appearance.
Tail
Long, bushy tail
Used for balance, like a squirrel
Some species have a thick base
Coat Color
Gray
Brown
Blackish
Some species have white spots or eyeliner
➡ Protective coloration that allows them to blend into forests and rocky areas.
② Body Structure (Functional Characteristics)
Sharp claws → Good at climbing trees
Flexible ankles → Can grasp branches
Lightweight skeleton → Can move quietly
Rodent-specific incisors (continuously growing)
③ Behavior/Movement Characteristics
Nocturnal
Quick but efficient movements
Smooth jumping, running, and climbing
Hides immediately when it senses danger
👉 “Agile but quiet” type.
④ Intelligence/Senses
Good memory
Memorizes range and hiding places
Developed vision, smell, and hearing
Sensitive to human movement
What is its personality like?
The African dormouse is very cautious and timid, and will often run away if you suddenly approach it. It is important not to scare it, and if you want to keep it as a pet, you will need to take time to close the distance.
① Basic Personality Tendencies
Highly timid and cautious
Does not engage in unnecessary activities
Immediately retreats when sensing danger
Low aggression
👉 Prioritizes “escape” as a personality trait.
② Nocturnal Personality
Almost motionless during the day
Does not like bright environments or sudden noises
Active but quiet at night
➡ Active does not necessarily mean noisy.
③ Solitary Type
Basically lives alone
Does not form groups
Keeps its own comfort zone
※ Keeps distance from other individuals outside of breeding season.
④ Relationship between Intelligence and Personality
Good Memory
Remembers unpleasant experiences well
Knows safe routes and hiding places
👉 Will quickly close off if handled roughly.
⑤ Relationship with People
Does it become tame?
They don’t get as tame as dogs and cats.
Actually, they “get used to people.”
When they get used to people,
They take food from your hand.
They no longer mind people’s presence.
They don’t run away and continue to move.
→ Better suited to observation than interaction.
What is its ecology like?
The African dormouse catches insects and eats nuts, grains, seeds, etc. It reproduces viviparously. It has a gestation period of one month, breeds in gaps, and can give birth to 3-5 pups at a time. Its lifespan is three years, and there is a record of it living in captivity for eight years.
① Activity (Life Rhythm)
Completely nocturnal
Daytime:
Rests in tree holes
Rock crevices
Gaps in man-made structures
Night: Foraging, moving, and exploring
👉 Virtually inactive in bright areas.
② Home Range/Movement
Home range is relatively small
Moves mainly in trees
Only uses the ground for short periods
Repeatedly follows a set route
③ Diet (Omnivorous)
African dormice are opportunistic omnivores.
Main Foods
Fruits
Seeds
Tree buds
Insects
Spiders
Small invertebrates
➡ Animal protein is also important.
④ Relationship with Water
Can survive without free water
Gets moisture from food
Highly adapted to arid environments
⑤ Breeding Biology
Breeding Season: Often coincides with the rainy season
Gestation Period: Approximately 3-4 weeks
Litter Size: 2-5 pups
Nests: Tree cavities, bird nest sites, etc.
Raising
Mothers raise their young alone
Pups grow rapidly
Become independent relatively early
⑥ Torpor (Diaper)
Important Characteristics
Enters a torpor state during food shortages, dry seasons, and low temperatures
Conserves energy by lowering metabolism and body temperature
Can last from several days to several weeks
👉 Shorter and more flexible than hibernation.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of the African dormouse are carnivores such as weasels, dogs, and cats.
About African Dormouse Juveniles
This article explains African dormouse juveniles (babies) in the following order: Immediately after birth → Growth → Parent-offspring relationship → Survival strategy.
① Juveniles immediately after birth
Condition at birth
Litter size: 2-5 (average 3)
Birth weight: Approximately 2-4g
Hair: Nearly hairless
Eyes and ears: Closed
Completely helpless
👉 A typical “premature (altricial)” mammal.
② Life in the nest
The mother builds her nest in
tree holes
rock crevices
old bird nests
Spends time in the nest day and night
The mother alternates between going out and raising her young
③ Growth Speed
Developmental Guidelines
Changes in Age (Days): 5-7 Days: Downy down begins to grow
10-14 Days: Body color becomes clear
15-18 Days: Opening (Around 3 weeks): Interested in the outside world
Around 4 weeks: Waddling begins
5-6 weeks: Weaning
➡ Growth is quite rapid.
④ Relationship with Mother
Only the mother is responsible for childcare
Father is not involved
Nursing is concentrated at night
Mothers may carry their young in times of danger
⑤ Personality Traits of Young
Very Quiet
Almost No Cry
Vulnerable to Temperature and Humidity Changes
Sensitive to Artificial Stimuli
👉 This is a period of high environmental dependency.
⑥ Fleeting and Independence
Fleeing occurs at 5-7 weeks of age
Learns arboreal navigation
Dietary habits become more similar to that of an adult
Increased solitary behavior
Is the African dormouse an endangered species?
The African dormouse is not an endangered species. Therefore, it is distributed mainly in Africa and can be seen in zoos.
① Why isn’t there a single answer?
The “African dormouse” is not a single species.
Taxonomically, it is classified as one of the following:
The African dormouse (Graphiurus)
A group containing over 30 species.
👉 Therefore, endangered status is determined on a species-by-species basis.
② Assessment trends on the IUCN Red List
Many species
LC (Least Concern)
Wide distribution
Relatively stable population
High environmental adaptability
Example:
Cape African dormouse (Graphiurus murinus)
→ A representative species classified as Least Concern
Some species
DD (Data Deficient)
Insufficient research
Nocturnal, small, and difficult to detect
NT/VU (Near Threatened to Vulnerable)
Limited habitat
Vulnerable to deforestation
👉 Species highly dependent on forests are particularly at risk.
Can you keep an African dormouse as a pet?
The African dormouse can be kept as a pet, but it is quite difficult to obtain. If you notice anything unusual, please visit a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. If you are keeping it as a pet, it is recommended that you take care of it with health in mind. Recently, this category, such as ferrets, has become popular.
How much does it cost to sell?
The selling price of animals in Japanese yen is about 10,000 to 20,000 yen. However, since there are very few animals in circulation, it is not easy to obtain them. It may be best to consult with the zoo staff about what they are managing and take them in rather than buying them from a pet shop.
A cage is essential
A cage is essential. It needs to be about 30 x 50 cm in size because it is very active. A running wheel is essential and it moves around a lot like a hamster. Prepare a bottle-type waterer. Also, having a house where you can hide your body as a sleeping place can reduce stress. Wooden flooring is safe. When opening the cage door, be careful not to let them escape.
About food
There is no food specifically for African dormice. Small hamster food can be used instead. If you cannot find food, they will eat small insects such as mealworms every day, so it is a good idea to feed them a new set. Once they get used to it, you can feed them their favorite fruits, which will make them more accustomed to you. It is a good idea to buy them at the store.
They do not learn to use the toilet
African dormice are not very intelligent, so they will not learn to use the toilet even if you train them. The smell of their excrement is relatively strong, so moderate cleaning is essential. Rodents also have teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives. Therefore, you should provide them with chew sticks, etc.
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