African Dormouse

Graphiurus murinus

The African dormouse (Graphiurus murinus), often called the woodland dormouse or African pygmy dormouse in the pet trade, is a small nocturnal rodent from southern and eastern Africa. It is not a true mouse; dormice are glirids with large eyes, soft fur, rounded ears, and a bushy tail used for balance while climbing. In the wild, African dormice live in woodland, scrub, and rocky areas where they nest in tree hollows or sheltered cavities. They feed on seeds, fruit, nectar, insects, and other small foods, and may enter torpor when temperatures drop or food becomes scarce.

In captivity they are best treated as agile, delicate exotics rather than pocket pets for daytime handling. A tall, escape-proof enclosure with branches, nest boxes, and small mesh or solid sides is more useful than a low cage designed for hamsters. Stable warmth reduces unintended torpor, while diet needs both plant foods and animal protein. Compatibility varies; pairs or small groups may work when introduced carefully, but fighting can be serious in cramped housing. Breeding is usually seasonal and the young are very small, so disturbance around nests should be limited. Availability, legal status, and species identification can vary in the exotic pet trade.