6th International Conference on Dormice (Gliridae)
Siedlce (Poland), September 20 - 24, 2005
ABSTRACTS
Abstracts of posters presentations
The diet of the Woodland dormouse, Graphiurus murinus, in the Great Fish River Reserve, South Africa. Baxter R. M.1, Madikiza Z.1, Villet M.2
1 Dep. of Zoology, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700. South Africa
2 Dep. of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140. South AfricaKey words: diet, tenebrionidae, millipede, fruit, Graphiurus
The Woodland dormouse, Graphiurus murinus, utilized places secure from predation in which to consume its food. These areas were usually hollows in trees but nest boxes were sometimes used. We analysed the food remains found at these sites in order to get an indication of preferred food items of these rodents. For most of the year invertebrate prey dominated in the remains at the feeding stations. Two groups of invertebrate appeared most important: tenebrionid beetles, which weigh as much as 3.5g, and millipedes. In these groups there was a complete range in size of the prey items. The next most common items were scarabeid and carabeid beetles followed by a variety of other insects. Occasionally the remains of vertebrate and mollusc prey were found. Fruits only appeared of importance in autumn and early winter. We conclude that this population is essentially insectivorous and utilizes fruit opportunistically.
The present status of the Garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus)
Bertolino S.
DIVAPRA Entomology and Zoology, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy.
Email: sandro.bertolino@unito.itKey words: population trends, range, red lists, threat, competition
The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is a glirid present from the Iberian Peninsula, throughout Italy and some Mediterranean islands, to central and eastern Europe and the Ural Mountains. The species is considered to have originated in the west-Mediterranean area, and then penetrated central and eastern Europe as a Holocene immigrant. Nowadays the garden dormouse is still common in western and southern Europe, but seems to be rare in central Europe, where it undergoes an obvious decline, and it is supposed to be extinct in many places. The 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species considers the garden dormouse Vulnerable.
Here I present a review of the present status of the garden dormouse. I looked into the literature to get information on the distribution and trend of the species at a national scale. I also considered the inclusion of the species in national Red Lists, listing the status category with a capital letter.
The garden dormouse is common in Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, although it is considered Vulnerable in Italy, and there is some concern for the survival of the species on some Mediterranean islands. The species is considered Extinct in Lithuania, Rare in Latvia and Estonia, and Endangered in Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is rare also in Ukraine and Belarus, while in Belgium it is common, but in a restricted area, and in The Netherlands it is decreasing and considered Vulnerable. The northern border of its distribution area goes through the Leningrad region. Increase of abundance was observed in this region during the last 15 years, but in the same time it became extinct in some localities, where it was noticed earlier.
Considering the present knowledge, it is not possible to explain the extensive regression of the garden dormouse range in central and eastern Europe. Probably it is the result of the interaction of different factors that acted at a local level or in a wider range, and are probably related to specific ecological requirements of the species. A change at the landscape level, especially in vegetation cover and composition, due to a change in global climate and human pressure, may be responsible of the regression of the species from its secondarily colonized range. Competition with the edible dormouse Glis glis and the forest dormouse Dryomys nitedula may also have played a part in this regression. The patchy distribution of the garden dormouse in a contact zone with the forest dormouse and the disappearance of the former in an area inhabited by the latter, suggest the penetration of the forest dormouse into the previous range of the garden dormouse. The habitat partitioning of the edible dormouse and the garden dormouse in the Western Italian Alps, with the former in deciduous and mixed forests and the latter in coniferous forests, seems to be the result of competition between the two species.
New localities for dormice Gliridae in Central and Eastern Poland
Gulatowska J., Kowalski M., Popczyk B., Wojtowicz B.
Theriological Section of Wildlife Society 'Stork', Ul. Jagielly 10, 08-110 Siedlce; e-mail: marek@bocian.org.pl
Key words: Gliridae, Poland, distribution
In the last few years many new localities for dormice have been found in Central and Eastern Poland. The fat dormouse Glis glis was recorded not only in the areas where stands of beech tree are numerous, but also elsewhere. It occurs very frequently in the Kozienicka Forests, and less frequently in the Mielnicka Forests. The forest dormouse Dryomys nitedula occupy numerous forests in the north part of the Srodkowomalopolska Upland. The common dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius appears over the whole area in which the researches were carried out. However, in the north part of Poland, localities with this specie are scarce.
Life history of different nest box types occupied by dormice
K. Hecker 1 & B. Bakó 2
1 Department of Zoology and Ecology, Szent István University, Gödöllő, Hungary
2 Office for Nature Conservation, Budapest, Hungary
E-mail: hecker.kristof@mkk.szie.huKey words: life history, nest box, occupation, dormice
This study is based on our research on the ecological parameters of the distribution of dormice in Hungary. We used 200 wodden nest boxes and 180 plastic nest tubes to discover the ecological needs of the dormice in an area with different habitats. All three species occuring in Hungary live here: hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) and fat dormouse (Glis glis).
Our results show that there are certain nesting possibilities which are preferred and some that are avoided by dormice. We looked at the ecological parameters of each nest box place which might cause these variations: the tree or shrub species around the box and how dense the vegetation is.
We compared the nest boxes in relation to the material of the box. Plastic tubes had less frequent occupation, although hazel dormice show no difference in the preference between the two types. Individual examination was not possible because we did not mark the specimens.
Our newest survey is to compare the two nest box types in the same vegetation type. Early results show a preference for the plastic nest tubes, although the survey is not yet complete.
Distribution of dormice in Southern Belgium: an updated overview
Hürner, H., Libois, R.
Université de Liege, Unité de recherches zoogéographiques, Institut de Botanique B22, Boulevard du rectorat 27, 4000 SART TILMAN, Liege, Belgium.
Key words: distribution, dormice, Belgium, Glis
Recent distribution data is presented on the three dormice species found in Belgium: fat dormouse (Glis glis), hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) and garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus). For the last 20 years, information about distribution of dormice in southern Belgium has been scarce. As these species are quite rare, and their survival may be threatened in our country, it is important to assess their current distribution and compare it with previous studies. Emphasis is put on Glis glis since its Belgian population reaches the north-western limit of its distributional range, a situation which may be of critical concern for conservation.
The hibernation cavities of the edible dormouse Glis glis (L.)
Jurczyszyn M.
Department of Systematic Zoology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Fredry 10, 61-701 Poznań, Poland, email: jurc@amu.edu.pl
Key words: hibernation cavities, shape and volume of cavities
Hibernation cavities of free living and captive edible dormice in respect of their shape, volume and depth below ground level were studied. Most of the cavities (77 out of 83) were occupied by a single animal and 60 of them had the characteristic shape of a bread loaf; these loaf-shaped cavities were called typical and were analysed in detail. The volumes of cavities ranged from 293 cm-3 to 2211 cm-3 (median = 730 cm-3, Q1 = 602.3 cm-3, Q3 = 1032.3 cm-3). No correlation between body mass of hibernating dormice and the volume of their cavities was found. Comparisons of volumes of cavities made by males versus females, adults versus subadults, as well as free living versus captive dormice did not reveal significant differences. Cavities of free living dormice were found between 18 and 70 cm underground (median = 30 cm, Q1 = 25 cm, Q3 = 40 cm).
The use of space by reintroduced dormice Glis glis at both the sites of their source and their release
Jurczyszyn M.
Department of Systematic Zoology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Fredry 10, 61-701 Poznań, Poland, email: jurc@amu.edu.pl
Key words: home range, radio-tracking, reintroduction
During the reintroduction project, the use of space by two groups of adult dormice (G. glis) at the sites of their source and their release was studied. Studies were conducted in 2003 and 2004 at the end of August and beginning of September. The source sites were in Sierakowski Landscape Park (SLP) and the reserve 'Buczyna Szprotawska' (BSz). Release sites were in woods called 'Bukowa Forest'(BF). All three areas were mainly overgrown by beech trees. Six dormice (3 males and 3 females) in SLP and the same number (and sex ratio) in BSz were fitted with radio-transmitters and radio-tracked during 10 successive nights. Then the dormice were trapped and transported to BF, where- after one week of acclimatization - they were released. At the release site they were also radio-tracked for 10 nights.
At the source sites, the home ranges (100% MCP, 95% MCP and 50% MCP) and distances travelled per night were larger in males than in females. At the release sites, the home ranges (95% MCP and 50% MCP) and distances travelled per night were significantly larger in females than in males. Male home ranges (100% MCP, 95% MCP and 50% MCP) and distances travelled per night were larger at the source sites than at the release sites (but not significantly so). In contrast, the female home ranges (100% MCP, 95% MCP and 50% MCP) and distances travelled per night were larger at the release sites than at the source sites.
Endoparasites of fat dormice (Glis glis L.) from Croatia
D. Konjević1, R. Beck2, M. Goldová3, K. Severin1, A. Slavica1, M. ©pakulová4, Z. Janicki1, J. Margaletić5 and T. Keros6
1 Chair for Game Biology, Pathology and Breeding, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia, e-mail: dean.konjevic@vef.hr;
2 Department of Parasitology, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb;
3 Department of Parasitology, Diseases of Fish, Bees & Game, University of Veterinary Medicine, Komenskeho 73, Koąice, Slovak Republic;
4 Institute of Parasitology SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Koąice, Slovak Republic;
5 Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Forestry Faculty, University of Zagreb, Svetoąimunska 25, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
6 Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska 143, 10 000 Zagreb, CroatiaKey words: Glis glis, endoparasites
Even though the fat dormouse (Glis glis L.) is a traditional game species in Croatia, there are no data on their infectious or parasitic diseases. During September and October 2003, a total of 55 dormouse carcasses were collected in the area of Mrkopalj (Gorski kotar), through the kindness of local hunters. All carcasses were dissected by standard procedure and representative portions of the digestive system were taken for parasitological analysis. From the total of 55 carcasses examined, intestinal parasites were found in 35 samples (63.7%), while 20 (36.3%) of them proved to be negative. Parasites observed included the nematode Longistriata elpatievskii and the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta. Both parasites were present in 12 samples (21.8%); 17 samples (30.9%) had only L. elpatievskii, while in 6 samples (10.9%) we found only H. diminuta. The results of this research suggest that fat dormice in Croatia are a carrier of H. diminuta, a potential zoonotic pathogen. Considering the fact that fat dormice are used in human nutrition we draw attention to the need for further study on the microbiology of dormouse meat and more precise establishment of levels of parasitic infestation
Habitat selection and genetic diversity of dormice (Gliridae) in north-eastern Poland
Niedziałkowska M.
Mammal Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, 17-230 Białowieża, Poland, ul. Waszkiewicza 1c
Key words: habitat fragmentation, forests, arboreal rodents, biodiversity, GIS
I have started investigation of the occurrence and distribution of dormice (Glis glis, Dryomys nitedula and Muscardinus avellanarius) in seven large woodlands of north-eastern Poland (Augustowska, Białowieska, Borecka, Knyszyńska, Mielnicka, Piska i Romincka). These woodlands differ in size, fragmentation, connectivity with other forests, tree species composition and productivity. Using GIS techniques (ArcView and MapInfo programms) and data from Polish Forestry Service I will analyse several characteristics of dormouse habitats e.g. composition of tree and plant species, forest cover, forest fragmentation, age of the trees and the shortest distance to roads, railways, settlements and rivers.
To investigate the distribution of dormice I conduct live-trapping once a year in each of the woodlands and plan to check nest boxes. During trapping sessions I collect samples for genetic analyses.
In genetic research I will analyse the mitochondrial (D-loop) and, if possible, also nuclear DNA. Mitochondrial DNA will be useful to assess the genetic distances between dormice populations in the seven forests. The analyses of nuclear DNA will be useful to check the genetic diversity within each of the populations.
I am willing to cooperate with other researchers in Europe in order to obtain genetic samples of dormice.
Importance of animal food for Dryomys nitedula and Glis glis living in the Białowieża Forest - based on analysis of faeces
Nowakowski W. K., Godlewska M.
Dept. of Zoology, University of Podlasie, ul. Prusa 12, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
Key words: diet, Glis glis, Dryomys nitedula, feaces analysis, Białowieża Forest
Fresh faeces of Dormice found in nestboxes along the constant transect in the Białowieża Forest were analysed. In total, 196 samples of faeces of the Forest Dormouse (D. nitedula) and 62 of Fat Dormouse (G. glis) were checked.
In analyzed faeces the following categories of food remains were distinguished: chitin carapaces, calcareous shells, feathers, seeds, plant fibres.
In the Forest Dormouse, chitin carapaces were found in 100% of samples, while in the Fat Dormouse only in 8%. Feathers were stated in 36% of samples of Forest Dormouse faeces and only in 12% of samples from the Fat Dormouse. Calcareous shells were found in 14% of Forest Dormouse samples and only in 1 sample (1.6%) of Forest Dormouse faeces. In total, remains of animal food were found in 100% of samples of Forest Dormouse excrements and only in 29% samples from the Fat Dormouse. On the opposite, plant remains were found 100% of samples of Fat Dormice faeces and only in 16% samples of the Forest Dormouse faeces.
The highest percent of samples of faeces including animal remains occurred in the Fat Dormouse in July, while in the Forest Dormouse yearly variation referred only to different types of animal remains. So that the highest number of chitin fragments in one gram of excrements was found in September (46) and in April (31), most feathers per sample were stated in May and June (nearly 2) and the smallest number was in August (0.5), shells were found in similar amounts in faeces samples from May, June, July and September, but were absent in samples from April and August. It is worth to emphasize that plant remains were found most often in faeces of the Forest Dormouse from August (32% of samples) while in other months their percent was 1/3 lower and in samples from April they were not found at all. Among remains of chitin carapaces identified in Forest Dormouse excrements most came from Chilopoda (45%), Hemiptera (33%) and Coleoptera (22%). In faeces of the Fat Dormouse the majority were remains of moths (55%).
Based on the presented results it can be concluded that food niches of the Forest Dormouse and Fat Dormouse are almost completely different. The base of the Forest Dormouse diet are arthropods, but it willingly consumes calcareous shells, nestlings and even adult birds (tits, flycatchers). Plant food is only supplement in its diet although is consumed during the whole year. Oppositely, the main part Fat Dormouse diet are plants and animal food is taken in low amount and practically only in one month.
Comparison of food preferences of Glis glis, Dryomys nitedula, Graphiurus murinus in captivity
Nowakowski W. K., Kosowska J.
Dept. of Zoology, University of Podlasie, ul. Prusa 12, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
Key words: diet, Glis glis, Dryomys nitedula, Graphiurus murinus, captivity
To investigate food preferences of three selected species of Dormice we applied „test of consumption” and „test of choice”. „Test of consumption” consisted of supplying one type of food and checking if an animal consumed it at all. When food was eaten, we noted at which day an animal started consumption. This test was stopped when food was not eaten or after 72 hours from its provision – in such cases we assumed that food was not consumed. For consumed types of food we conducted the 'test of choice'. In this way we checked only food types eaten the same day in the 'test of consumption'. The 'test of choice' consisted of providing the animal with two types of food and checking which was tried first and which was consumed completely as first.
In total, we tested 17 types of animal food and 46 of plant food. Among animal food we provided insects (various species and development stages), eggs, snails, chicken meat; plant food consisted of fruits, seeds, nuts and green parts (inluding: leaves, flowers, leaf buds, flower buds, twigs with bark).
G. glis consumed 79.4% of the total number of food types - 23.5% of animal and 100% of plant food types (61.8% on an average).
D. nitedula consumed 60.3% of the total number of food types - 76.5% of animal and 54.3% of plant food types (65.4% on an average).
G. murinus consumed 71.4% of the total number of food types - 94.1% of animal and 63.0% of plant food types (78.6% on an average).
Difference of the indices of structure between animal and plant food was not significant (at the level p=0.05) only in the case of D. nitedula. Thus, this species can be considered omnivorous, while significant differences both in G. glis and G. murinus indicate that the first species is a typical herbivore, while the second is rather a meat-eater.
The analyses showed that the least suitable food for G. glis are insects, for D. nitedula - green parts of plants and for G. murinus - hard plant food (nuts, acorns, fruit stones). The best food is respectively: for G. glis all types of plant food, for D. nitedula fruits and insects, and seeds at the next place, and for G. murinus insects and fruits, followed by other types of animal food and seeds.
The project of protection of Dormice in the Complex of Jura Landscape Parks (S Poland)
Wieczorek P. 1,4), Byrtek P.2,4), Sułek P.1,4), Nowakowski W. K.3,4), D±browski R.4)
1) Complex of Jura Landscape Parks, ul. Vetulaniego 1A, 31-227 Kraków, Poland
2) Krzeszowice Forest , ul. Le¶na 13, 32-0800 Zabierzów, Poland
3) Dep. of Zoology, University of Podlasie, ul. Prusa 12, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
4) Wildlife Society 'Stork', ul. Jagiełły 10, 08-110 Siedlce, PolandKey words: conservation project, Jura of Kraków and Czestochowa
Confirmed records of any of the four Dormice species noted in Poland are lacking from the area of Jura of Kraków and Częstochowa. However, during survey among forest and park officers and local inhabitants it was stated that in the Complex of Jura Landscape Parks probably occurred three species of Dormice: Glis glis, Muscardinus avellanarius, Dryomys nitedula. Based on preliminary observations conducted in July 2005 we succeeded to confirm presence of two species: Glis glis and Muscardinus avellanarius, in August one dead Glis glis was found. We also assessed that both the size of forest complexes in this area and the type of tree stands should provide good base for Dormice populations. Most woodlands are managed forest, thus it seems that conditions for these animals could be improved by providing additional hides (hanging nestboxes), liquidation of ecological barriers (fixing line 'bridges' over roads, creating ecological corridors) as well as enlargement of food base (planting bushes and trees - hazel, raspberry, rowan, apple trees etc.). We plan to start from 2006 with completing the list of Dormice species that inhabit the area, continuous monitoring of their populations and systematic survey of places of their occurrence. For that purpose we are going to hang wooden nestboxes in 11 selected sites in constant plots and transects. The aimed number of nestboxes placed in Jura is 1500. Moreover, we are going to use ca 500 light plastic nestboxes which will be moved every two years to control all woodlands in the studied area and 200 'fur traps' moved to subsequent localities. In addition, we plan to fix 16 'bridges' of lines over roads crossing forest complexes. 'Fur traps' with counters of passages fixed on each 'bridge' will allow for monitoring efficiency of this method. In following years more 'bridges' will be provided.
Reproductive biology of the common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) in a coastal evergreen scrub forest of Central Italy
Panchetti F., Carpaneto G. M.
Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita degli Studi 'Roma Tre', V.le G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
Key words: Gliridae, breeding, Mediterranean habitat
The common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is a widespread European glirid species that occupies a variety of deciduous woodland types throughout the continent. Its breeding behaviour has been investigated by several authors using nest boxes in various woodlands of northern Europe, while information from Mediterranean habitats is very scarce. Previous studies in Italy suggested that, differently from northern populations, the activity pattern of coastal Mediterranean populations is characterized by regular winter activity, an autumnal breeding period, and a probable summer dormancy, related to climatic factors such as mild winters and dry summers. These marked differences in the activity pattern between temperate and Mediterranean populations suggest a different reproductive biology. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study some basic reproduction parameters, e.g. the timing and length of the breeding season, the number of litters per year, the average litter size and the age of first breeding in females.
The study was carried out in a thermophilous evergreen scrub forest dominated by the holm oak (Quercus ilex), within the Natural Reserve of Castelporziano, along the Tyrrhenian coast of Latium region (41°44'N, 12°24'E). Fifty nest boxes were set up in the study site. Boxes were placed 1.5 m above ground level and spaced at a distance of c. 20 m from each other, according to a rectangular grid. These boxes were inspected monthly from May 2002 to December 2004 and the trapped dormice were weighed, sexed, aged and marked.
The study population showed a very long breeding period as compared to northern European populations. Litters began at the end of September and were observed continuously until the end of March (n=32). The birth peak (84.3%) occurred in autumn (October-December). Juveniles appeared in November and became abundant in December. Females had usually two litters per year and a two-month gap was observed between two litters. Mean litter size was 4.72 (± 0.26), similar to that reported in the literature. Young breeding females were never recorded, according to the general observation that common dormice become sexually mature after their first dormancy season (in this case after their first aestivation).
In comparison with hibernating populations, the coastal Mediterranean common dormice show a higher reproductive potential. The extension of the breeding season, that lasted seven months (September-March), was probably due to the favourable climatic conditions and the constant presence of flowering and fruiting plants from Autumn to Spring. Owing to the length of the breeding season, females had two litters per year, showing that the reproduction rate of this population may be twice that of northern populations. The higher reproduction activity in the autumn may be related to the availability of energetically rich autumnal food, such as acorns (telemetry observations, unpublished). These represent an important trophic resource for females, ensuring successful pregnancy and weaning. Moreover, juveniles are advantaged by the mild winter, which allows them to grow and forage before the summer dormancy period.
Fat dormouse Glis glis - the mammal of the year 2005 in Latvia
Pilats V.1, Pilate D.2, Petrovs P.3
1 Gauja National Park Administration, Baznicas iela 3, Sigulda, LV-2150, Latvia
2 Latvian Museum of Natural History, K. Barona 4, Riga, LV -1712, Latvia
3 Riga Zoo, Meza prospects 1, Riga, LV -1014, LatviaKey words: Fat dormouse, Glis glis, Latvia
The fat dormouse (Glis glis) is one of the rarest and therefore least known mammal species in Latvia. Both to increase public awareness as well as to obtain more reports about Glis observations in the wild, this species was declared the 'Mammal Species of the Year 2005' in Latvia.
Several institutions were involved in this campaign to carry out different activities. The Latvian Museum of Natural History was responsible for work with the mass media. Information about Glis was distributed by several newspapers and magazines as well as broadcast by the electronic mass media in Latvia. The Nature Protection Board produced a poster devoted to all animals and plants of the year 2005 in Latvia. In all publications and broadcasts people were asked to inform the institutions involved about any fat dormice observed. In Gauja National Park more than 100 nest boxes designed especially for dormice were put out. Members of the Latvian Mammalogical Society as well as students of Gotland University, Sweden assisted in this process. The nest boxes were aimed at both improving Glis nesting conditions and to be used in monitoring the species in Gauja NP. A trial breeding of Glis in captivity has been started in the Riga Zoo. Exhibition of Glis for the public is foreseen both in the Riga Zoo and Gauja NP. The reintroducion of Glis to enlarge its distrubution area in Latvia is to be discussed by an appraisal group.
Notes on the ecology of the forest dormouse Dryomys nitedula in an oak-hornbeam forest, north-eastern Poland: a live-trapping and radio-tracking study.
Michał ¦ciński 1, Zbigniew Borowski 2
1Centre for Ecological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. M. Konopnickiej 1, Dziekanów Le¶ny,
05-092 Łomianki, Poland, e-mail: sorex@poczta.onet.pl
2Department of Forest Ecology and Wildlife Management, Forest Research Institute, Sękocin Las 05-090 Raszyn, Poland, e-mail: Z.Borowski@ibles.waw.plKey words: Dryomys nitedula, hibernation, home range, nest sites, reproduction
During the years 2001-2004 we captured 32 forest dormice in live traps and nest boxes on the study site (7 ha), covered with hornbeam-oak forest in the Białowieża Primeval Forest. Dormice reproduced in all years. Offspring were born in June and the first juveniles were caught at the beginning of August. The only litter found comprised 5 pups. The last dormice (juveniles) were captured at the end of September. Thus, it seems that dormice are active from at least April, and they start hibernation at the end of September. Annual survival rate was 34% (n=25). At least two individuals survived their second hibernation.
For a pilot study, three forest dormice (1 male and 2 females) were radio-tracked during the first half of June 2001. Male home range area (100% Minimum Convex Polygon) was larger (4.2 ha) than home range areas of females (0.75 and 0.73 ha). The longest distance between two consecutive locations was 275 m for the male and 126 m for the females. Dormice used nest boxes (3) and tree hollows (4) for daytime nest sites. They used old bird nest material and/or fresh moss from tree trunks for nest construction. Home ranges of radio-tracked forest dormice overlapped widely with home ranges of fat dormice that were radio-tracked at the same study site one month later.
Edible Dormouse (Glis glis Linnaeus, 1758) in the Zhiguli Mountains
Vekhnik V.P., Ivashkina V.A.
Zhiguli State Natural Reserve named after I.I. Sprygin, 445362, Russia, Samara Region, Zhigulevsk city, village Bakhilova Polyana
Key words: Edible dormouse, Zhiguli, habitat
The edible dormouse is known as an ordinary and widely distributed rodent species of the forest stratum in the broad-leaved forests of European Russia. The eastern boundary of its distribution runs along the Volga river. Extreme points are known from Zhiguli height.
Around the Zhiguli Mountains (the right-bank part of the height), the Volga forms a big bend – the Samarskaya Luka peninsula. The Zhiguli State Reserve, one of the oldest in Russia, is situated in the mountainous Northern part of Samarskaya Luka. Its area is notable for high landscape and biological diversity. The varied and unique ecosystems of the limestone mountains are well represented here: rocks, stony steppes, relict pine forests and mixed coniferous-broadleaved forests. Favorite habitats of the edible dormouse, such as old indigenous lime-tree forests and oak-woods, have been well preserved in mountain gorges.
Like most of the reserves in Russia, censuses of terrestrial small mammals have been carried out traditionally by trap lines in the Zhiguli Reserve for more than 30 years. The standard index of abundance is the average number of mammals caught per 100 trap-days. However, this universal method is little use for researches on dormice. The effectiveness of capture by traps situated on the ground is always very low and distorts the assessment of the real population density of the edible dormouse in forest ecosystems.
We placed traps on tree trunks specially for Glis, at a height of 1,5 m and 7 to 10 m apart, at 20 points along one census line. They were set for no less than for 5 days. As a bait we used full-flavoured pieces of bread, fried in sunflower seed oil.
For the years 2003-2005, censuses of edible dormice have been carried out using six trap lines in the old mixed oak-woods with dense hazel undergrowth. A total of 1430 trap-days were worked and 34 dormice were caught. The number of animals captured averaged 2,4 individuals, with a maximum of 5 and minimum of 1,4. Males predominated over females by a factor of 2,3.
Our researches ascertained that population density of edible dormice was 1,5 times lower in trap lines situated close to forest margins than deeper within the forest. Also we found that the dormice avoid habitats with only a loose closing of the leaf canopy and indeveloped undergrowth. Probably, this is concerned with its greater vulnerability to predators in less thick habitats. Most of the mammals seen with defective tails also reflects this. Dormice bones are often found in food debris of the Ural owl, tawny owl, little owl and eagle owl.