African Pygmy Dormouse

Coat and looks how to spot one

soft woolly fur, bushy tail

A tiny, squirrel-like rodent with soft, dense fur, big dark eyes and a long, fluffy tail. The feet are usually pale, often with a darker streak on the hind feet.21

Personality what they are like

A quick, agile night-time climber that is fascinating to watch but fast-moving, so it suits observation more than handling. Wikipedia notes its care is more involved than that of common pet rodents.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Highly arboreal and nocturnal; it needs lots of branches, ropes and climbing surfaces in a tall enclosure.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Self-grooming. Provide nest boxes high up, as it naturally nests in tree hollows, rock crevices and old bird nests.2

Home where they are happiest

A tall, escape-proof enclosure with fine mesh, branches and several raised nest sites, echoing its wild home in woodland, savanna and rocky areas.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore: insects and other small invertebrates plus seeds, fruit, nuts, buds and flowers.21

The story where it all began

This dormouse is widespread across eastern and southern Africa, living from savannas to mountain forests up to about 4,000 m. It is found in limited numbers in the pet trade, where it is sometimes nicknamed the micro squirrel.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN

Least Concern1