African pygmy mouse

We have a mischief of 11 African pygmy mice here at Paignton Zoo. They currently live in the Small Mammal House opposite the echidna and potoroo exhibit.

African Pygmy MouseMus minutoides

  • Class:

    Mammalia

  • Order:

    Rodentia

  • Family:

    Muridae

About the pygmy mouse

You can visit our pygmy mice in the newly re-opened Small Mammal House, where they are live opposite our echidna and potoroo shared exhibit. Due to the shy nature of these animals, we are going to be limiting access to 2:30-5:30pm through the summer, to allow them to acclimatize to the noise.

African pygmy mice are native to sub-Saharan Africa, where they inhabit both lowland and mountainous areas. They can be found in forests, savannahs, areas with shrubby vegetation and grasslands.

Conservation

The African pygmy mouse is currently listed as a Least Concern species, due to its wide distribution and its estimated large population.

However, it’s worth noting that their population is decreasing in some regions due to habitat loss and the pet trade.

Interesting facts