Sub-family : DENDROMYIN^E 



THE TREE MICE AND 

 THE FAT MICE 



THERE is a tribe of Mice which are purely arboreal, 

 and they are known, in consequence, as Tree Mice. 

 These Tree-dwelling Mice inhabit Africa south 

 of the Sahara. In South Africa there are several 

 species. Tree Mice have their home amongst the 

 branches of trees, shrubs and vines, and in these 

 leafy retreats they are exceedingly nimble, running 

 along the stems with great rapidity, and springing 

 with considerable agility from branch to branch. 

 A nest is made in the most secluded and sheltered 

 part of their leafy home, and there the young are 

 born and reared. These nests are also used by the 

 adult Tree Mice for shelter when the weather is 

 chilly. Birds' nests are frequently taken possession 

 of, such for instance as those of the Weaver Birds. 

 The diet of the Tree Mice consists of berries, 

 fruits, tender shoots, bark, small lizards, insects, 

 birds' eggs and the nestlings. Their most dreaded 

 enemy is the Boomslang or Tree Snake (Dis- 

 pholidus typus). They are also preyed upon by 

 Sparrow Hawks, Owls, Butcher Birds, Rollers, and 

 the smaller tree-climbing carnivorous animals, such 

 as the Wild Cats and Genets. 



IO2 



