What is the African mouse called? - briefly
The African pygmy mouse, scientifically Mus minutoides, is a small rodent native to sub‑Saharan Africa. It belongs to the genus Mus and is also known as the African dwarf mouse.
What is the African mouse called? - in detail
The small rodent most often identified by the name “African mouse” is the African pygmy mouse, scientifically Mus minutoides. It belongs to the family Muridae and is one of the world’s smallest mammals, with adult body length of 5–8 cm and weight of 3–12 g.
Distribution covers sub‑Saharan regions, including savannas, grasslands and cultivated fields of Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia and surrounding countries. The species thrives in areas with dense ground cover, where it builds shallow burrows and nests of grasses.
Key characteristics
- Fur: soft, gray‑brown dorsal pelage, lighter ventral side.
- Ears: proportionally large, aiding thermoregulation.
- Reproduction: rapid breeding cycle; females can produce up to five litters per year, each containing 3–7 offspring.
- Diet: omnivorous; consumes seeds, insects, and occasional plant material.
Other rodents occasionally referred to by the same vernacular include the African striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio) and the African wood mouse (Hylomyscus spp.). These species differ in size, habitat preference and taxonomic classification, but share the general appearance of a typical murid mouse.
Conservation status for Mus minutoides is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, reflecting its wide distribution and adaptability. Local threats involve habitat alteration due to agriculture and pesticide exposure, which can affect population density in specific locales.