THE CHESTNUT TREE MOUSE 



Genus : Dendromys 



The Tree Mice grouped under this genus are 

 small and slender, the body averaging 3 inches, not 

 including the tail, which is scaly and sparsely 

 covered v^ith hairs, and slightly longer than the 

 body. The upper incisor teeth are grooved and 

 convex ; molars with tubercles in pairs more or less. 

 The ears are rather large and hairy, and the claws 

 long. Hind limbs not elongated as in the Gerbilles. 



Several species inhabit South Africa. 



THE CHESTNUT TREE MOUSE 



(Dendromys mesomelas) 



The Chestnut Tree Mouse is well known in South 

 Africa. It inhabits the bush-covered districts from 

 Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, and northwards to 

 the Zambesi, and beyond to Tropical Africa. It 

 lives amongst the branches of trees, shrubs and 

 vines, and is difficult to catch on account of its 

 nimbleness in running along the branches and twigs, 

 and its agility in jumping. A nest is constructed 

 amongst the foliage, and in holes in decaying tree- 

 trunks. It often takes possession of birds' nests, 

 in which its young are born and reared, and in 

 which it shelters itself from rain and wind. 



This Tree Mouse may be recognised as follows : 

 (i) Dull chestnut on the back, becoming paler 



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