The southern multimammate mouse is a nocturnal species considered to be an ecological generalist, and is found in a broad spectrum of natural habitats.

However, on closer analysis they do have anatomical (cranial, dental and phallic morphology) and physiological (hemoglobin pattern and pheromones) differences.

M. coucha also has a naturally occurring papillomavirus that mimics the infection cycle and symptoms seen in humans with HPVs.

[6] Similarly, unlike the common murine research model, M. coucha can support the complete lifecycle of B. malayi, a parasite that causes lymphatic filariasis.

This has made it a key tool in discovering new drugs and vaccines to fight an infection that affects an estimated 130 million people.