Investigations of populations of the edible dormouse (Glis glis) at the northern periphery of distributional range (supervisor dr. Rimvydas Juškaitis)
Ecology of the edible dormouse is rather well investigated in the core of its distribution range where these dormice live mainly in European beech (Fagus sylvatica) dominated forests. Lithuania is situated on the northern periphery of the dormouse range and outside the continuous range of the European beech. For this reason, habitats of the edible dormouse are completely different in this country, dormouse populations are comparatively very small. The edible dormouse is included in the Red Data book of Lithuania (EN category) and in the list of strictly protected species of the Republic of Lithuania. The protection plan for the edible dormouse is approved by the Ministry of Environment, in which scientific research aiming better protection of this species is foreseen. Only 10 populations of the edible dormouse are known in Lithuania now, and all of them will be investigated during the course of doctoral studies. Field studies will be carried out during summer time (July–August). Nocturnal counts of calling dormice will the main method of investigation, and official forestry inventory data will be used. All calling dormice recorded will be mapped. Habitat parameters determining presence of the edible dormouse in their localities will be estimated based on the results of nocturnal counts and official forestry inventory data. Areas of habitats suitable for this species will be estimated in all known localities. Population densities will be estimated in different forest stands according to nocturnal counts of calling dormice, and population size will be calculated. Anthropogenic impact on dormouse habitats will be evaluated in all localities of the edible dormouse, and necessary protective measures will be proposed. Based on the results of the studies, recommendations for protection of the edible dormouse in Lithuania will be prepared. Results of the doctoral studies will have both scientific and nature conservation significance.