Mad Mammal Monday! The Spectacled African Dormouse (Namtap) (Graphiurus ocularis) There are 14 living species of dormice that occur throughout sub-Saharan Africa, occupying a variety of habitat such as lowland rainforests, the Nama- and succulent-Karoo biomes and the fynbos in southern Africa. It is only the treeless deserts like the Namib that are devoid of dormice. The spectacled African dormouse is one of the larger dormice (body length ± 13.4 cm) and sports a woolly, thick, silvery-grey dorsal pelage. The name is derived from the very conspicuous and broad eye-mask and the white cheeks form part of a distinct white stripe that extends from cheek to shoulder. These features combine to make this dormouse easily distinguishable and identifiable in the field. They are endemic to Africa, and predominantly found in the south-western parts of South Africa, but can be found from sea-level to an impressive 1585 m ASL. The spectacled dormouse has a preferred habitat of rock piles and rocky outcrops (e.g. a stone kraal), but there is one report of an individual in a tree. They are considered uncommon and densities vary according to the suitability of the habitat. These nocturnal creatures will remain active throughout the year; unless there is a significant drop in temperature or food availability in which case they can enter a state of torpor for up to month (it’s like a mini hibernation for little animals). Insects and arthropods make up the bulk of their diet although birds and lizards are also taken. When disturbed or aggravated, these dormice will emit vocalisations and exhibit intimidation displays. They are reproductively active in spring and summer and will produce a litter of 4-6 young. Average life-span is about 4 years. They are considered Least Concern by the IUCN, however (especially after this year’s South African national assessment) the categorisation of this species could be changed to Near Threatened or Data Deficient due to its discontinuous distribution. Happy New Year! ~Helene Reference: Happold, D. C. D. (ed.) 2013. Mammals of Africa. Volume III: Rodents, Hares and Rabbits. Pp. 128-129. Bloomsbury Publishing, London. Photo: Willem S. van der Merwe
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 09:56:18 +0000