Lives exclusively in the rocky areas of the arid Karoo in south-western Africa, one of the driest environments occupied by any African dormouse. Its scientific name, literally meaning "rock-dwelling", accurately describes its strict reliance on crevices and gaps between stones for shelter.
Small body, long bushy tail like a miniature squirrel's. Greyish-brown to sandy pelage, adapted to blend in with Karoo rock. Distinguished from other dormice in the region by its distribution restricted to arid rocky areas.
Small track, rarely visible. Uses rock crevices almost exclusively as day roosts.
Rocky areas of the arid Karoo in Namibia and South Africa, possibly also in Angola.
Omnivorous: insects, fruit and seeds.
Habits poorly known due to its elusive nature; strictly associated with Karoo rock crevices.
The species maintains a large, stable population across most of its range, with no evidence of widespread decline.
No widespread threats identified.
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