Malabar spiny dormouse

The Malabar spiny dormouse is a captivating rodent species endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Despite its name, it is not closely related to typical dormice. These small creatures reside high up in tree cavities within dense forests and usually remain in small family groups. One can easily identify them by their bushy tails with tufted tips and the spiny fur on their backs.

Regarding their scientific classification, the genus name "Platacanthomys" refers to the flat spines on their backs, while "lasiurus" means hairy tail. There has been some debate over the years about the precise placement of this species within the rodent family tree. The Malabar spiny dormouse is mainly found in the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills at elevations up to 2000 meters. They were once quite common, but due to habitat loss, their populations have significantly decreased, and they are now found in much lower densities.

These dormice are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night, and their diet primarily consists of fruits. In captivity, they have displayed a voracious appetite for fruits. They have a unique sleeping habit, curling up with their tails sticking out. While it has been suggested that they might feed on pepper plants in plantations, surveys indicate that they are mostly found in undisturbed forest areas. Observations regarding their breeding patterns have noted that a single litter can consist of up to four young ones.