Angolan African dormouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Angolan African Dormouse |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: |
G. angolensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Graphiurus angolensis de Winton, 1897
|
|
The Angolan African dormouse (Graphiurus angolensis) is a small, furry animal. It belongs to the rodent group, just like mice or squirrels. This special dormouse is part of the Gliridae family. It is found only in one country: Angola. This means it is endemic to Angola. Its natural home is in dry forests, which can be either subtropical or tropical.
Contents
About the Angolan African Dormouse
The Angolan African dormouse is a type of dormouse. Dormice are often known for being small and looking a bit like tiny squirrels. They are usually active at night. This particular dormouse lives in a specific part of Africa.
Where it Lives: Angola
Angola is a country located in Southern Africa. The Angolan African dormouse lives only here. This makes it a unique animal for Angola. When an animal or plant lives only in one place, we say it is "endemic" to that area.
Its Home: Dry Forests
The Angolan African dormouse prefers to live in dry forests. These forests can be found in warm areas. They might be subtropical or tropical. Subtropical means they are just outside the hottest tropical zones. Tropical areas are very warm all year round. These forests provide the dormouse with shelter and food.
What is a Rodent?
The Angolan African dormouse is a rodent. Rodents are a large group of mammals. They are known for their strong, front teeth. These teeth grow all the time. Rodents use them for gnawing on food or other things. Mice, rats, and squirrels are also rodents.
The Dormouse Family: Gliridae
The Angolan African dormouse belongs to the Gliridae family. This is the scientific name for the dormouse family. Animals in this family share many similar features. They are typically small and have soft fur. Many dormice are known for sleeping a lot, especially during cold or dry seasons. This is where the name "dormouse" comes from, as "dormir" means "to sleep" in French.
Scientific Classification
Scientists group living things into categories. This helps us understand how they are related. The Angolan African dormouse has its own place in this system.
Kingdom: Animalia
All animals, including the Angolan African dormouse, belong to the Animalia kingdom. This group includes all living creatures that are not plants, fungi, or bacteria.
Phylum: Chordata
The dormouse is part of the Chordata phylum. This means it has a notochord. A notochord is a flexible rod that supports the body. In many chordates, like the dormouse, this develops into a backbone.
Class: Mammalia
The Angolan African dormouse is a mammal. Mammals are animals that have fur or hair. They also feed their young with milk. Humans, dogs, and whales are also mammals.
Order: Rodentia
As mentioned, the dormouse is in the Rodentia order. This group includes all rodents. They share the common feature of continuously growing incisor teeth.
Family: Gliridae
This is the dormouse family. It includes all types of dormice from around the world.
Genus: Graphiurus
The Angolan African dormouse belongs to the Graphiurus genus. This genus includes several types of African dormice.
Species: G. angolensis
Finally, its specific species name is angolensis. This part of the name often tells us something about the animal. In this case, it tells us that it is from Angola. The full scientific name is Graphiurus angolensis. This name was given by a scientist named de Winton in 1897.
Conservation Status
The Angolan African dormouse's conservation status is "DD". This means "Data Deficient". It means scientists do not have enough information about this dormouse. They need more research to know if it is endangered or not.
References
- Coetzee, N., Griffin, M. & Grubb, P. 2004. Graphiurus angolensis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 29 July 2007.
- Holden, M. E.. 2005. Family Gliridae. Pp. 819-841 in Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
See also
In Spanish: Graphiurus angolensis para niños
