Pygmy rock mouse

Introduction: The pygmy rock mouse (Petromyscus collinus) lives in areas of abundant rocky outcrops, hiding in overhangs, crannies and cracks. The generic name is derived from the Greek word petra, which means rock, and the species name is from the Latin word collina (hill), indicating that it has a preference for rocky hills. They are very active at night, although not nocturnal.

Distribution: Central and western Namibia, less for the Sperrgebiet in the south and Swakopmund region.

Diet: Can survive for long periods without water and in the Namib Desert aestivates, lowering its body temperature to conserve moisture.

Colouring: Buffy-yellow upperparts with greyish underparts, hands and feet.

Breeding: Females are seasonal breeders producing one litter of two or three pups during the warmer summer months.

Size: Head and body length 190mm. The tail is longer than the head and the body.

Weight: 20g.