Pygmy Rock Mouse
wildlife of Namibia
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 1 litter of 2 or 3 pups during the warmer summer months.
Size: Head and body length 190mm. The tail is longer than the head and the body. Weight: 20g.
Dabis Guest Farm
A working farm in southern Namibia. Offers an insight into sheep farming is this arid region
Duwisib Castle Camping
The completely off his rocker 'Baron' von Wolf built this castle in the middle of nowhere. Rumours abound about this gun toting, cross dressing loon - the campsite is not as interesting!
Helmeringhausen Hotel
The settlement of Helmeringhausen consists of little more than a hotel, a petrol station and an agricultural museum. Luckily the hotel is a good one, with friendly owners.
Namtib Guest Farm
Situated in the Tiras mountains, an owner run guest farm that offers a warm welcome and even better scenery
Sinclair Guest Farm
A small reasonably priced guest farm - geologists are sure to enjoy the abandoned copper mine
