European edible dormouse

European Edible Dormouse

The European Edible Dormouse, scientifically known as Glis glis, is a species of dormouse native to Europe. It is also commonly referred to as the fat dormouse or the edible dormouse. This article will provide an overview of the European Edible Dormouse, including its physical characteristics, habitat, diet, behavior, and conservation status.

Physical Characteristics

The European Edible Dormouse is a medium-sized rodent, measuring around 14 to 19 centimeters in length, with a tail length of approximately 11 to 13 centimeters. It has a stocky build and a round head, with large black eyes and small rounded ears. The fur of the dormouse is dense and soft, ranging in color from grayish-brown to reddish-brown on the upper body, and creamy-white on the underside.

Habitat

The European Edible Dormouse is primarily found in deciduous and mixed forests across Europe. It prefers habitats with a dense canopy cover and a variety of tree species, as it spends most of its life in trees. The dormouse constructs nests in tree cavities or builds spherical nests made of leaves and twigs, which are usually located in the upper branches of trees.

Diet

The European Edible Dormouse is an omnivorous species, with a diet that primarily consists of fruits, nuts, seeds, and insects. During the summer months, when food is abundant, the dormouse actively forages for food and stores excess food in its nest for the winter. It is known to have a particular fondness for hazelnuts and acorns. In addition to plant matter, the dormouse also consumes small invertebrates, such as insects and spiders.

Behavior

The European Edible Dormouse is a nocturnal species, meaning it is most active during the night. It spends the majority of its time in trees, using its strong claws and prehensile tail to navigate and climb. The dormouse is an excellent climber and can move swiftly through the branches. During the winter months, it enters a state of hibernation, where its body temperature drops significantly, and its metabolic rate decreases to conserve energy.

Conservation Status

The European Edible Dormouse is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, certain populations of the dormouse may face threats due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation and urbanization. Additionally, the dormouse is sometimes hunted for its meat, which is considered a delicacy in some European countries.

See Also

• Dormouse
• Rodent
• Hibernation