Platacanthomyidae – Oriental dormice

The family of dormice and dormouse – tiny, golden-brown creatures known for their sleepy disposition and winter hibernation

It is a relatively small family of rodents that only contains species placed accordingly into a total of two genera. These rodents live in moist, rocky, tropical, and subtropical forests where they inhabit burrows, tree cavities, and clefts between rocks, often near streams. After emerging from their hibernation, these rodents are incredibly athletic creatures.

Physical adaptations for speed and acrobatics help them avoid predators and find food. Despite the family name, the dormice and dormouse are not part of the mouse lineage, but it is more like distant cousin to the squirrel group. They can easily be recognized by their thick furry tail and large black eyes.