GRAPHIURUS MURINUS
Common African dormouse

Description The general colour of the body is some shade of grey and there are various black and white markings on the face. The hairs on the tail are quite long, and are dark on the top and paler beneath. There is much variation in colour from place to place. The cranium has a flattened shape, and the ears are large and rounded. Length of head and body up to 10 cm (4 in), tail slightly shorter; weight about 1 60 g (5.3 oz).

Habitat Forests or open savannahs; ranges from river valleys to arid rocky highlands.

Behaviour This solitary dormouse is mainly nocturnal but in areas of dense vegetation it may also be active during the day. It builds its nest in vegetation, on branches, in hollows of trees, in the thick of a bush, or in some cases among rocks. It often comes into houses and dwells in ceilings or under the root. It feeds on fruit and seeds, as well as on eggs, lizards, and in-sects. Its vocalisations may be loud and shrill. Litters of 2-5 may be born several times a year after a gestation period of about 4 weeks. The offspring are independent by about 5 weeks of age.