THE CAPE DORMOUSE 



(Graphiurus murinus) 



THE graceful little creatures known as Dormice 

 inhabit Europe, Asia and Africa. In South Africa 

 there are several kinds or species. The most familiar, 

 however, are the Cape Dormouse (Graphiurus 

 murinus) and the Grey Dormouse (Graphiurus 

 ocular is). 



The Cape Dormouse is widely spread, for it is 

 found all over South Africa in the wooded districts ; 

 and extends northwards as far as Central Africa. 

 In South Africa it is commonest in the eastern 

 portion of the country, for the reason that most of 

 the forest belts are in that direction. The Cape 

 Dormouse is by nature arboreal that is, it inhabits 

 trees. However, it is now often seen in old stone 

 walls, and in the thatch of Kafir huts and farm- 

 dwellings. 



It is a sociable little creature, and when not inter- 

 fered with, will allow itself to be approached to 

 within a few feet. Its favourite lurking places are 

 holes in the trunks and branches of trees. In these 

 recesses it builds a nest of fine grass, leaves and lichen, 

 in the centre of which a pair of Dormice sleep. In 

 this nest the young are born and reared. Four or 

 68 



