bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Assessment of Aperiodic and Periodic Radio Bursts from Young Precessing Magnetars
Authors: Cordes J. M. , Wasserman I. , Chatterjee Shami , Batra G.
Published: April 2022

We analyze the slow periodicities identified in burst sequences from FRB 121102 and FRB 180916 with periods of about 16 and 160 days, respectively, while also addressing the absence of any fast periodicity that might be associated with the spin of an underlying compact object. Both phenomena can be accounted for by a young, highly magnetized, precessing neutron star that emits beamed radiation with significant imposed phase jitter. Sporadic narrow-beam emission into an overall wide solid angle can account for the necessary phase jitter, but the slow periodicities with 25%–55% duty cycles constrain beam traversals to be significantly smaller. Instead, phase jitter may result from variable emission altitudes that yield large retardation and aberration delays. A detailed arrival time analysis for triaxial precession includes wobble of the radio beam and the likely larger, cyclical torque resulting from the changes in the spin–magnetic moment angle. These effects will confound identification of the fast periodicity in sparse data sets longer than about a quarter of a precession cycle unless fitted for and removed as with orbital fitting. Stochastic spin noise, likely to be much larger than in radio pulsars, may hinder detection of any fast periodicity in data spans longer than a few days. These decoherence effects will dissipate as sources of fast radio bursts age, so they may evolve into objects with properties similar to Galactic magnetars.
Possible Evidence for Shear-driven Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability along the Boundary of Fast and Slow Solar Wind in the Corona
Authors: Telloni Daniele , Adhikari Laxman , Zank Gary P. , Zhao Lingling , Sorriso-Valvo Luca , Antonucci Ester , Giordano Silvio , Mancuso Salvatore
Published: April 2022

This paper reports the first possible evidence for the development of the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability at the border of coronal holes separating the associated fast wind from the slower wind originating from adjacent streamer regions. Based on a statistical data set of spectroscopic measurements of the UV corona acquired with the UltraViolet Coronagraph Spectrometer on board the SOlar and Heliospheric Observatory during the minimum activity of solar cycle 22, high temperature–velocity correlations are found along the fast/slow solar wind interface region and interpreted as manifestations of KH vortices formed by the roll-up of the shear flow, whose dissipation could lead to higher heating and, because of that, higher velocities. These observational results are supported by solving coupled solar wind and turbulence transport equations including a KH-driven source of turbulence along the tangential velocity discontinuity between faster and slower coronal flows: numerical analysis indicates that the correlation between the solar wind speed and temperature is large in the presence of the shear source of turbulence. These findings suggest that the KH instability may play an important role both in the plasma dynamics and in the energy deposition at the boundaries of coronal holes and equatorial streamers.
Ticks on the Edible Dormouse (Glis glis)
Authors: Srbová Karolína , Paclíková Pavlína , Žůrek Luděk , Adamik Peter
Published: April 2022

Rodents in central Europe, such as the Edible Dormouse, are common hosts for many ectoparasites, including ticks. One of the most extensively studied tick species is Ixodes ricinus, whose geographic distribution extends from Scandinavia to Morocco. In 2014, a new North African species I. inopinatus was described and found in Morocco, Tunisia, the Iberian Peninsula, and peripherally also in Romania, Austria, and southern Germany. Both Ixodes species were reported in sympatry in southern Europe (Spain and Portugal) where they feed mainly on lizards. During the period from early June to October in 2016-2019, we captured 4597 dormice and calculated the rate of tick infestation. Our results show that the mean prevalence of ticks in the dormouse population was 31.9 %. In the next step, 400 ticks from 2019 (255 larvae, 144 nymphs, 1 adult) from dormice were identiﬁed morphologically and by multiplex-PCR to distinguish I. ricinus and I. inopinatus. The results of our analysis show the ﬁrst report of I. inopinatus feeding on rodents.
Quantification of Edible Dormouse (Glis glis) calling activity for biodiversity surveys: comparison of core and peripheral populations
Authors: Barščevska Justyna , Adamik Peter
Published: April 2022

In Lithuania, the Edible Dormouse (Glis glis) is an endangered red-listed species and only 10 populations are known at present. It is situated on the northern periphery of its distribution range and outside the continuous range of the European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) which is a key-species for this rodent. For this reason, habitats of the Edible Dormouse are completely different in Lithuania, where most dormouse populations are fragmented, isolated and might be very small compared to other countries, where beech stands predominate in Glis habitats.

Alhough the Edible Dormouse is a well-investigated species in many parts of its range, there is still a lack of information about the ecology of this species on the periphery of its distribution range. In this presentation, we compare calling activity of the Edible Dormouse in core and peripheral populations using voice recorders. During the summer 2017, three voice recorders were deployed on three permanent sites in the Czech Republic, and three voice recorders were deployed at three different localities in Lithuania during the summer 2020. Voice recorders were continuously recording dormouse voices over the entire summer until the beginning of autumn, and relevant days of voice records were selected for the comparison of calling activity.

The results of this study will help to evaluate a new method for Edible Dormouse investigation in Lithuania, revealing new and interesting information about its nocturnal life.
Alpine forests are a suitable habitat for the Hazel Dormouse
Authors: Melcore Ilaria , Gargano Noemi , Demitri Annalisa , Bertolino Sandro
Published: April 2022

The Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is commonly considered a typical lowland species, occasionally observed at higher elevations in mountain habitats. This study began with preliminary investigations in the Gran Paradiso National Park in the Western Alps, where nests of Hazel Dormice were observed at around 2000 m a.s.l. In 2019, a mark-recapture project started in two valleys (Valsavarenche and Val di Rhêmes), positioning six grids with 40 nest boxes from 1000 m to 2000 m a.s.l. to investigate the ecology and adaptations of dormouse populations along the altitudinal gradient. In these years, nest boxes were checked irregularly, and the number of marked animals was low. The number of individuals captured in the highest grids at 2000 m increased from 1 to 8 in Valsavarenche and from 11 to 15 in Val di Rhêmes. These results seem to confirm a continuous presence of the species at the upper edge of the forest vegetation. The data from Valsavarenche suggest some significant population fluctuations, but the effect of nest boxes on population densities cannot be excluded.
Size variation in the Edible Dormouse and its environmental correlates
Authors: Kryštufek Boris , Janžekovič Franc
Published: April 2022

Intraspecific variation in size along spatial and environmental gradients has been documented in many studies, and different hypotheses have been proposed to explain these patterns of geographic variation. We explored size variation in 4 island and 35 mainland samples of the Edible Dormouse (Glis glis Linnaeus, 1758) from the western Balkans in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. Samples comprised 4 to 207 (mean ± SD=19.0±32.9; total n=740) adult skulls (age>1 year) of both sexes. To remove phylogenetic effects, all samples were from a widespread European lineage. Condylobasal length of skull was used as a proxy for overall size. Dormice were the smallest along the southern margin of the Pannonia Plain, the largest were from beech forests of the Dinaric Alps, and intermediate in hilly parts of Serbia and on the Adriatic islands. The largest skulls (from Mt. Zelengora, Bosnia and Herzegovina) were on average 25% longer than the smallest, from the population occurring near Belgrade in northern Serbia. Size correlated with longitude (R2=0.262; p=0.0009) and the 1st Climatic Principal Component (R2=0.687; p<0.0001) derived from ordination of 19 climatic variables (40% of variance explained). Dormice tended to be small in a warm and dry climate, and larger in cold and humid areas.
Reproductive parameters of captive common dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) in the UK. (Oral Presentation)
Authors: Ryan Hazel , Kynaston Suzanne , Dunn Judi , Nurney Sam
Published: April 2022

The common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) became extinct in half its former range in the UK during the 20th century. The Common Dormouse Captive Breeders Group was set up in 1995 to breed dormice for reintroduction into their former range. A national studbook records all dormice held in captivity since 1990; more than 1400 individuals and 214 litters to date. Studbook data were analysed, to examine the relationship between age of breeding female (dam) and various reproductive parameters, to aid captive breeders in maximising production of young despite limited resources. Maximum lifespan within the captive population is nine years and two months, compared with five years recorded in the wild in the UK. Maximum breeding age of captive dams is five years. Captive dormice produced up to four successive litters in a season. Litter size ranged from 1-9 with four being the most frequent. A dam may be paired with a male for several successive years. There was a non-significant decline in both mean and maximum litter size with dam age and significant variation in the number of young born between sequential litters. The highest mortality rates of young before 30 days of age occurred in those born to five year old dams. To maximise captive breeding potential it is recommended that resources are focussed on breeding using younger dams. More precise and detailed record keeping by breeders for input into the studbook database would aid future analysis.
Perpetuating ambiguity: a review of Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) records from Romania
Authors: Hegyeli Zsolt
Published: April 2022

Published records of species are often uncritically cited by other authors. However, when such records are based on uncertain data, reproducing them can misrepresent species distribution or conservation status. This, in turn, may result in misguided management decisions for threatened taxa. While still widely distributed in southwestern Europe, eastern populations of the Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) are small and isolated, and the species has seen a serious decline in recent decades. Given the patchy nature of this eastern range, as well as a general confusion regarding its Romanian presence, our study aimed at critically reviewing all Garden Dormouse records from this country. The mammal collections of several Romanian museums were inspected for Garden Dormouse specimens, and literature data were reviewed to assess the validity of records. Aspects such as presence of voucher specimens, photographic or biometric evidence, type of record, ecological or behavioural data were considered when analysing published records. Eleven museum specimens and 31 literature records of alleged E. quercinus were identified. All museum specimens were re-determined as being forest dormice (Dryomys nitedula). None of the publications provided either photos, measurements or detailed description of individuals, which might have excluded confusion with the Forest Dormouse. Another peculiar aspect was the frequent lack of Forest Dormouse records, even in regions where the species is presently known to occur. In conclusion, our study failed to detect unambiguous evidence of past or present Garden Dormouse occurrence in Romania, which raises new questions about the range and status of this species.
Habitat preferences and vertical distribution of dormice in the Tatra Mountains
Authors: Cichocki Jan , Ważna Agnieszka , Zwijacz–Kozica Tomasz , Mierczak Zbigniew , Klimaszewski Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

Dormice monitoring was carried out between 2014 and 2019 at 14 areas located in various regions of the Tatra National Park in Poland. The areas were located in various habitats: beech forests and spruce forests in the low mountain zone; spruce forests, windbreaks and mountain pine (Pinus mugo) thickets in the high mountain zone. The choice of the area for monitoring resulted from the habitat type and technical possibilities enabling regular inspections. Each area was equipped with 30 nest boxes dedicated to dormice. The boxes were hung on trees at a height of 1.5 to 2 meters, only in mountain pine thickets. In habitats with a dense cover of European Red Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) the boxes were hung lower, on branches or on specially constructed poles. The use of boxes was determined on the basis of the presence of dormice or their nests.

A comparison of nest box use shows that the Hazel Dormouse has specific habitat preferences in mountainous areas. This species was most frequently found in windbreaks, often those with a high proportion of trees destroyed after an outbreak of the spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus). These habitats are characterized by extensive undergrowth with numerous raspberries, Common Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), Rosebay Willow Herb (Epilobium angustifolium) and spruce undergrowth (Picea abies). Beech forest (Fagus sylvatica) forms a habitat which is not preferred, but is unavoidable. Negative selectivity was demonstrated in relation to the spruce and mountain pine forests that are dominant in the Tatra National Park. The Forest Dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) was found at only one plot in the fourth year of observation. It was located in a small patch of beech in the vicinity of the site where this species was detected in 2011.
Who is waiting at the main entrance? Species composition and temporal dynamics of the use of underground cavern exits of Edible Dormice (Glis glis) by their potential predators
Authors: Ponikvar Lovrenc , Kryštufek Boris , Bordjan Dejan , Jerina Klemen
Published: April 2022

A diverse assemblage of reptiles, birds and mammals, ranging from the smallest to the size of the Brown bear, prey on the Edible Dormouse. Dormice are particularly exposed to predation while actively searching for food in the tree canopy. A much narrower spectrum of species can access dormice during their periods of inactivity, typically spent underground in burrows, caves and shafts. Entrances of underground caverns are frequently so narrow that they prevent the passing of larger predatory species. Dormice concentrate at such entrances/exits as many individuals use the same cavern. Their emergence is predictable and dormice are less agile on the ground than in the tree canopy. The exits therefore may act as efficient hunting spots for predators. However, we are not aware of any research addressing this.

The goal of our study was to document species composition of predators at the exits from caverns used by dormice. The entrances of 10 of these caverns in the Dinaric Mountains in Slovenia were continuously monitored by infra-red camera traps for the whole 2021 season, set to maximum sensitivity at 1.5 m from entrances.

We recorded 250 arrivals/departures of dormice from caverns and 480 recordings of 7 predatory species waiting at entrances: Stone/Pine Marten (266), Wild Cat (68), Fox (67), Domestic Cat (45), Badger (19), Brown Bear (17) and Wild Boar (4). Recorded predators were often alert and apparently controlled the exit which (in addition to the time of recordings) indicates, that they may have been there to prey on dormice. However, we did not record any predation.
A large-scale citizen science approach to assess the distribution and ecology of the declining Garden Dormouse in Germany
Authors: Büchner Sven , Lang Johannes , Meinig Holger , von Thaden Alina , Andersen Andrea , Brünner Harald , Nowak Carsten
Published: April 2022

The Garden Dormouse has shown an ongoing decline over the last decades across large parts of its range. As the reasons for the species’ shrinking range are poorly understood, effective conservation actions have been lacking so far. The Germany- wide project “In Search of the Garden Dormouse” aims to investigate the causes, and develop concepts and measures to mitigate the decline. The current distribution has been assessed using a large-scale citizen science approach. More than 6,000 dormouse observations were gathered via an online reporting tool, of which >4,000 reports could be verified by photos, videos, or call recordings. Our aim was to obtain important information about the ecology of the species in different habitat types. For this, volunteers systematically collected approximately 1,000 Garden Dormouse droppings for food analysis, installed footprint tunnels and camera traps, helped to obtain several hundred DNA samples, collected > 500 carcasses, and recorded Garden Dormouse calls from various sampling sites. Volunteers also used a novel device for automated Garden Dormouse monitoring in the field that was developed and successfully applied in support of the project. The gathered data displays the current Garden Dormouse distribution in Germany and provides insights into the biology and ecology of this endangered, understudied species. The multidisciplinary approach of the project combined several disciplines, from field ecology to population genomics, in a fruitful cooperation of scientists, citizen scientists, and a conservation NGO. It can serve as a template for future projects aiming to produce large-scale scientific data in animal research and conservation.
Habitat use and movement of Garden Dormice in the Harz Mountains, Germany
Authors: Wuttke Mona , Battermann Julia-Marie , Richter Dania , Büchner Sven
Published: April 2022

The Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is an example of an endangered species with a distribution focus in Germany. Little is known about its habitat use and movements. Radio tracking is a common method used to analyze movement patterns to identify specific habitat requirements. During 11 weeks from May until September 2021, we tracked four individuals (2 females, 2 males) in the Harz Mountains National Park (~700 m a.s.l.). The study area was characterized by a predominance of rocks and spruce. Within one hour, males moved a distance of up to 173.95 m, females covered a maximum distance of 155.62 m. We analyzed whether a hiking trail cutting through the study area represented a potential barrier for the movement of these animals. Three individuals were tracked crossing the path up to 4 times a night. Raspberry bushes along the path were a potential incentive for crossing. A dense rocky cover and a well-developed shrub layer with raspberry bushes within spruce woodlands seem favorable to the presence of Garden Dormice. For the conservation of this species, it is necessary to protect similar habitats. To connect areas with populations of garden dormice, it may be important to encourage bushes with wild fruits among forest edges and pathways.
Nocturnal space and habitat use by Garden Dormice in an urban area in Germany
Authors: Sommer Franziska , Waldinger Silvia , Lang Johannes
Published: April 2022

The Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is currently disappearing from parts of its former range. While its population is declining in many parts of Germany, a stable occurrence is found in the city of Wiesbaden. A radio telemetry study was conducted to investigate nocturnal activity and habitat use.

Three males and one female were tracked for six weeks from May to July 2021. Males weighed 85 ± 15 g (n = 6), females 63 ± 8 g (n = 2). Home ranges were calculated using the minimum convex polygon (MCP) method. Males had larger home range sizes (MCP100: 2.69 ± 1.8 ha, n = 3) than females (0.53 ha, n = 1). The home ranges of males overlapped. Males regularly crossed roads up to 16 m wide. Animals exhibited nocturnal behavior with sporadic activity at dusk. Garden Dormice preferred structures with more than 75 % cover from a bird's eye view and 50 % cover when viewed from the side. Broad hedges were strongly preferred over single shrubs and trees or structures without vegetation. They were used by the animals for foraging, mating, as a place for other interactions, and as protected pathways through the habitat.

The smaller home range sizes compared to previous studies may be due to good food availability in the city. Animals also seem to benefit from continuous habitat and high levels of plant cover. Recommended conservation measures include maintaining and promoting broad hedges and habitat connectivity.
Distribution data of the dormice species in Romania: a review
Authors: Bivoleanu Ramona , Chișamera Gabriel , Zaharia Răzvan , Cobzaru Ioana , Sevianu Eliana , Gavril Viorel , Stanciu Cătălin , Murariu Dumitru
Published: April 2022

All four species of dormice present in Romania are listed as Vulnerable in the Romanian Red Book of Vertebrates and are protected by national laws. Even though they are important bioindicators of the condition of forest habitats, little is known about their distribution.

We reviewed the distribution data for the Romanian dormice species: the Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus), Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), Edible Dormouse (Glis glis), and Forest Dormouse (Dryomys nitedula). Our sources include published scientific literature, online databases (such as GBIF, Observation.org and iNaturalist), museum collections, verified citizen’s data as well as original data. A database was organized in GeoPackage format in QGIS 3.16.0. Historical locations from old scientific papers were georeferenced and included in the database with all metadata found. Recent and original data locations were recorded using geographical coordinates. Our aim was to produce up to date distribution maps for the dormice species occuring in Romania that can be further used in potential habitat modelling for the study and protection of these species and their habitat.

We found the most abundant observation were of Muscardinus avellanarius and the least recorded species was Eliomys quercinus, without any recent data.
The beginning of the dormouse monitoring program in Normandy, France (Poster presentation)
Authors: Marteau Mélanie
Published: April 2022

Bibliography can be used as a source of informations on the ecology and threats to the Hazel Dormouse. However, little data is available on French dormouse populations, and population trends remain unknown. The Hazel Dormouse is a protected species in France, but no particular attention is afforded to it by political policies. In 2018, the GMN (Groupe Mammalogique Normand) started a dormouse monitoring program in Normandy (France), based on volunteer work by its members. The aim of the program is to obtain information about local dormouse populations using nestbox monitoring at 10 study sites spread throughout Normandy, over a period of 5 to 10 years. The first years of the program were devoted to the search for potential study sites, the construction of nearly 400 nestboxes and their installation and monitoring at 8 study sites (beginning in 2019 for the first site). Since then, Hazel Dormouse nests and/or individuals have been observed in nestboxes at 7 study sites, with interannual fluctuations. The GMN is expanding its research to an additional two new sectors in 2022 or 2023. Further analysis will follow over the next few years.
Nest sites used for daytime rest in urban Garden Dormice (Eliomys quercinus) in Wiesbaden, Germany
Authors: Waldinger Silvia , Sommer Franziska , Griebeler Eva , Lang Johannes
Published: April 2022

Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) populations have declined by 50% throughout Europe over the last 30 years. They are increasingly found in German cities, but little is known about their urban lifestyle. A radiotelemetry study was performed in the city of Wiesbaden, to investigate the daily resting habits of Garden Dormice. The location and structure of nest sites used for daytime rest (DNS) of five individuals (one female, four males) were recorded each to every second day during the months of May to July 2021. The animals were located 90 times in total in a DNS, and two to six different DNS per animal were identified. DNS were found in hedges, trees, bird nests, facade greening, nest boxes, and inside buildings. Garden Dormice in this study were often located in DNS that provide consistent temperatures (false floors, walls) and a high degree of protection from predators. DNS with visual cover and possible food supply (facade greening, hedges) were also often used. The frequency with which DNS were changed varied greatly depending on the individual. The dormice in this study showed adaptations to urban living, as each animal used at least one anthropogenic structure as DNS. Recommended conservation measures for Garden Dormice in urban areas, based on this study, include raising public awareness and protection and promotion of facade greening (climbing plants on walls and fences), hedges and old buildings. Further research on the life of Garden Dormice in urban areas is needed.
Living underground: Edible Dormouse (Glis glis) activity in the underground shelters during the active period
Authors: Marchewka Anna , Postawa Tomasz
Published: April 2022

The Edible Dormouse (Glis glis) uses different types of shelters at particular times of the year. During hibernation, they are found in underground cavities or sometimes in caves, while during active periods they mostly use above-ground shelters: tree hollows or nest boxes. Selection of such thermally varied shelters is the result of different physiological requirements during both active and non-active periods, choosing a lower and constant temperature during hibernation and higher temperature during mating, gestation, and lactation. However, this species is also observed underground outside of hibernation. It is possible that the Edible Dormouse uses caves as alternative shelters during adverse weather conditions or food shortages. We examined the annual and circadian activity of G. glis in two caves (Czestochowska Upland, southern Poland). Research was conducted for three years (2019 – 2021) using a non-invasive method: camera-traps. We evaluated climatic parameters outside and inside caves and the availability of the main diet (beech seeds, Fagus sylvatica). Our research indicates the year-round presence of G. glis in both caves. Dynamics of their activity vary between seasons (masting vs non-masting), but they are similar in different sites within a year. Dormouse activity in the cave was highest during a full masting season and intermediate and lowest during a mast failure year. Circadian activity varied between phenological periods: from 24-hour activity at the beginning of the season (mating period), to becoming exclusively nocturnal in the remaining period. These results may indicate that, apart from being used for hibernation, caves are also a regular daily shelter for active dormice.
Road mortality in Hazel Dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius): first evidences for this species and implications for road mortality research
Authors: Sevianu Eliana , Rădac Ionela , Rădac Ioan , Maloș Cristian , Gavril Viorel Dumitru , Hartel Tiberiu
Published: April 2022

Roads are considered major movement barriers for the Hazel Dormouse, a strictly arboreal mammal. Recent evidence shows that they inhabit roadside habitats and can safely cross roads, but no evidence of road mortality has been documented so far. In our study we investigate the occurrence of safe road crossings and roadkills using direct observation during optimal activity of Hazel Dormice, by surveying 35 km of national and local roads transects in Romania. The transect crossed a representative landscape with forests, pastures, arable land and small villages. We encountered Hazel Dormice on roads on 21 occasions, out of which 10 were roadkills, 8 were safe crossings and 3 were individuals standing by the side of the road. Our study gives direct evidence that safe crossings do occur, but also documents road mortality in this species for the first time. We explored the habitat context around the roads to understand the determinants of road crossings. We found that woody and shrubby vegetation elements in the vicinity of the roads are important, especially in arable dominated landscapes. Factors influencing road crossing behaviour and the ways mortality impacts the dormouse population are still largely unknown. Understanding these can improve mitigation actions.
Dormouse Project: a citizen science project for the monitoring of Edible Dormouse populations in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Freixas Lídia , Míguez Sílvia , Bartrina Carme
Published: April 2022

The Dormouse Project is a citizen science project that has been studying and surveying the Edible Dormouse populations of the Iberian Peninsula. The project started in 2004 at the Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park, because of the lack of studies in the Iberian Peninsula and the few existing records of this species in Catalonia. It is coordinated by the Natural Science Museum of Granollers and funded by the Catalan administration. This project aims to assess the distribution and population trends of the Edible Dormouse by the installation of special nest boxes along the Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, it has an important dissemination and awareness-raising role, by conducting different informative sessions adapted to a broad audience.

The web platform (www.dormice.org), created in 2020, is a tool that has facilitated citizen participation, together with the creation and consolidation of a network of collaborators within the Dormouse Project. It has helped to compile, store, and manage the data collected by citizen volunteers and interested scientific personnel. The project improves the quality and comparability of data collection by developing a standardized data collection framework. This will harmonise the collection of information between different volunteers and will make it easier to compare data. Nowadays, the platform is getting consolidated, and we are willing to expand its limits, as well as showing its potential as a shared platform within the regions of Edible Dormouse distribution.
Relationships between climate variables, seed production and reproduction of the Edible Dormouse (Glis glis) in mixed oak forests of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Bartrina Carme , Oro Daniel , Míguez Sílvia , Freixas Lídia
Published: April 2022

The Edible Dormouse (Glis glis) is a small arboreal mammal that lives in deciduous forests in much of Europe, the Iberian Peninsula being one of the southern limits of its distribution. Some studies have shown that this species uses the strategy of anticipatory reproduction, which means that it adapts its reproductive effort to seed production, such as beech mast and acorns, which varies greatly from year to year. The Edible Dormouse anticipates future seed availability of the coming autumn and modulates its reproductive effort, as beech mast and acorns are a crucial resource for the young to survive their first hibernation.

This work aims to determine the correlations between annual variations in climate and seed production, and their effect on Edible Dormouse reproduction using 9 years of data (2012–2020) in two natural parks in Catalonia (Montseny and Montnegre-Corredor). These are located at the southernmost limit of the distribution of this species in the Iberian Peninsula. The results show that the productivity of Beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) is conditioned by local meteorological conditions and pollen availability, and that the acorn production by oak trees (Quercus sp.) is also affected by local meteorological conditions, but not by pollen availability. Additionally, breeding by the Edible Dormouse in Montseny has shown high synchrony with acorn production and that the presence of beech seeds increases the number of offspring per female. These results encourage us to conduct future studies to predict how Edible Dormouse populations will be impacted by climate change.
Hazel Dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) on the move in Nottinghamshire, England: A reintroduction success
Authors: Griffiths Lorna
Published: April 2022

Historical records from 1885 suggest that the Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) was once present in Nottinghamshire. However, the species was thought to have become locally extinct as recently as the 1950s. After a failed attempt in 1994 to reintroduce Hazel Dormice back to the county, the species was finally returned to three neighbouring woodlands in north Nottinghamshire as part of a three-year project in 2013/14/15, Treswell Wood, Eaton Wood, and Gamston Wood, respectively. Data collected as part of the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme (NDMP) indicate a stable population in all three of the Nottinghamshire reintroduction woodlands, whereas dormouse declines have been reported in many southern populations. The Nottinghamshire Dormouse Group employ a range of survey techniques to monitor the populations and surveys in neighbouring habitats have confirmed that the dormice are steadily dispersing into the wider landscape. Dormouse presence has now been confirmed in two additional woodlands, including one approximately 600m from the closest reintroduction site. Dormice have also been recorded inhabiting nestboxes within trackside vegetation along the East Coast Railway line, including a dormouse nest on the far side of the high-speed (100mph) railway line, confirming that at least one dormouse has crossed over the track. A 5-year, landscape-scale PIT-tagging project commenced in September 2021 with the primary aim of investigating the dispersal capabilities and seasonal movements of the dormice. The project scope will include the three reintroductions woodlands, all woodlands in between and the connecting hedgerows. The data will be used to inform future dormouse reintroductions.
Impacts on Hazel Dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) of twenty years of incremental conifer removal
Authors: Trout Roger , Brooks Sarah , Rudlin Phil
Published: April 2022

Within a Planted Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) of Corsican Pine, planted in 1970, Hazel Dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) in nestboxes were individually marked by PIT tags from 2000 onwards. In adjacent experimental study plots of 3 ha each, different patterns of forest restoration were used. In early winter 2003 c.33 % of conifers were removed: [a] in very small groups; [b] larger felling coupes similar to hazel coppicing; [c] traditional ‘rack-and-thin’ regime. In 2009 and 2015 a third of remaining pines were removed and in 2020 almost all remaining conifers were removed. The effects on three dormouse abundance indices were recorded through routine monitoring of nest boxes. The overall number of captures varied from year to year, increasing the year following forestry operations in 2003 and 2009, 2015. This was possibly because nestboxes temporarily became more attractive except in 2021 which was a very poor dormouse year. In the rack-and-thin treatment little regeneration occurred and dormouse numbers slowly declined to almost zero. The numbers of individually marked adults in the other plots showed a rising trend. The numbers of nestlings and juveniles recorded initially increased, but have oscillated recently. This study demonstrates that during regular forestry operations in conifers, maintaining a population of this species is possible. This has important implications for managers. A regime of patchwork conifer removal over 4 phases appears to be pragmatic for an economic forestry business and also ensures that dormice remain. The rack-and-thin area lost its dormice but may recover in the next few years.
Dormouse acoustics: The use of artificial intelligence to detect and identify European dormouse species
Authors: MacIsaac Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is becoming increasingly popular for wildlife surveying due to the benefits it offers in terms of non-invasiveness, reduced field time and spatial scalabilty. Acoustic surveying protocols are well established for bat species, but the use of PAM for non-volant small mammals has been largely unexplored. Some dormouse species are highly vocal and are therefore potentially good candidates for acoustic surveying.

A landscape-scale acoustic survey is currently being carried out in Polesia, a vast lowland region in Eastern Europe. Three dormouse species have been recorded in this region: Dryomys nitedula, Glis glis and Muscardinus avellanrius, with a fourth species Eliomys quercinus considered rare or locally extinct. Acoustic surveys at this scale generate may hours of recordings, however data analysis can be automated using species classifiers. Classifiers have achieved varying levels of accuracy, but recent advances in artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning has led to the development of acoustic classifiers with high levels of accuracy.

In this study, a convolutional neural network classifier was developed to identify D. nitedula, M. avellanarius and nine additional small mammal species. Overall, the classifier achieved 0.944 training accuracy and 0.943 test accuracy. During testing, the classifier achieved D. nitedula and M. avellanarius identification accuracies of 100% and 98% respectively. These preliminary results suggest that PAM could provide an effective, non-invasive method to survey dormice in large geographic areas. Further work will include expansion of the classifier to include G. glis and E. quercinus when sufficient acoustic data are obtained.
A mobile phone based thermal imaging camera to predict nest box occupancy by Edible Dormice (Glis glis) and Hazel Dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius)
Authors: Worrall Pamela , Trout Roger
Published: April 2022

Infra-red thermography is a non-invasive method of measuring heat radiation from objects and has many biological applications, including the detection and monitoring of individual wild animals. Thermal cameras have also assisted in the estimation of abundance of wild animal species.

This study aimed to investigate whether the thermal signature from dormouse nestboxes, using a handheld mobile phone with a thermal camera attachment can be a useful predictor of both occupancy and numbers of present inside the nestbox.

Thermal images of 70 Edible Dormouse nestboxes before disturbance and 213 undisturbed Hazel Dormouse nestboxes were taken to predict potential box occupancy. The surface temperature (°C) of any apparent hotspot was recorded. Subsequently the number of occupants (if any) and their total mass was also recorded.

For Edible Dormice, the thermal hotspot signature (°C) showed a positive correlation with the absence (no hotspot) or numbers inside the nestbox (R2 = 0.458) and a strong positive correlation between the thermal signature and the combined mass (g) of those dormice inside the nestbox (R2 = 0.841).

For Hazel Dormice on 3 sites, the technique correctly predicted the presence of a small mammal in 35 nestboxes with a range of 92.5 to 100% confidence but failed to identify a torpid dormouse.

It is concluded that mobile phone based and other more expensive thermal cameras are useful for predicting nestbox occupancy and thus reduce the time taken to monitor nestboxes.
Distribution of Glirids in an Alpine national park
Authors: Melcore Ilaria , Roviani Davide , Attili Lorenzo , Ferrari Giulia , Mori Emiliano , Büchner Sven , Bertolino Sandro
Published: April 2022

In this long-term study, we evaluated the distribution of three species of Glirids: Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) and Edible Dormouse (Glis glis) in the Gran Paradiso National Park (Western Italian Alps). The aim was to investigate the ecology, adaptation strategies, and distribution of these dormouse populations along an altitudinal gradient. Monitoring started in 2015 and is still ongoing. We used five different techniques (searching for nests, grids of nest boxes, transects of live traps, nesting tubes, and footprint tunnels), placed along an altitudinal gradient from 700 to 2300 m a.s.l. We found a total of 680 signs of the presence of Hazel Dormouse and 46 individuals, 275 signs and 142 individuals of the Garden Dormouse and 674 signs and 67 individuals of the Edible Dormouse. The three species selected different altitudinal gradients: Edible Dormouse from 800 to 1700 m, with a prevalence between 800-1100 m; Garden Dormouse from 1100 to 2000 m, with a prevalence between 1400-1700 m. The Hazel Dormouse was ubiquitous from 800 to 2032 m, without a clear altitudinal pattern. Edible Dormice were mainly found in deciduous and mixed forests, while Garden Dormice usually occurred in coniferous forests. The Hazel Dormouse seemed to be regularly distributed in all forest types up to the tree limit. These results, obtained from diverse methodologies, permitted comparison between the monitoring protocols, improved knowledge of habitat selection by Glirids in Alpine habitats, as well as providing novel insights within the context of climate change.
Looking up to the sky: using high resolution remote sensing to characterise hibernaculum locations of the Hazel Dormouse
Authors: Gubert Leonardo , Mathews Fiona , Bennie Jon , McDonald Robbie , Wilson Robert , Foppen Ruud , Lemmers Pim , La Haye Maurice
Published: April 2022

The Hazel Dormouse is predominantly an arboreal species that moves down to the ground to hibernate in the autumn in temperate parts of its distributional ranges at locations not yet well understood. In this study, we tested whether environmental characteristics surrounding Hazel Dormouse hibernacula can be identified using high-resolution remote sensing and data collected in situ. We modelled remotely sensed variables, including canopy height and cover, topographic slope, sky view, solar radiation and cold air drainage around 83 dormouse hibernacula in England (n=62) and the Netherlands (n=21), and identified environmental characteristics that may be favoured by pre-hibernating dormice. We also collected and analysed data on leaf litter depth, temperature, canopy cover and distance to the nearest tree collected in situ at hibernaculum locations in England. We found that remotely sensed data were effective in identifying attributes surrounding the locations of dormouse hibernacula and, when compared to in situ information, provided more conclusive results. Our study suggests that remotely sensed topographic slope, canopy height and sky view have an influence on animals choosing suitable locations to hibernate; whilst in situ data suggested that average daily mean temperature at the hibernaculum may also have an effect. Remote sensing proved capable of identifying localised environmental characteristics in the wider landscape that may be important for hibernating dormice. We also propose that this method can provide a novel progression from habitat modelling to conservation management for the Hazel Dormouse, as well as other species using habitats where topography and vegetation structure influence fine-resolution favourability.
The gastrointestinal tract histology of Eliomys quercinus and Glis glis
Authors: Jakopović Mia , Gračan Romana , Lisičić Duje
Published: April 2022

The Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) and the Edible Dormouse (Glis glis) differ in their omnivorous diet, with the first being more carnivorous and readily consuming small vertebrates and even poisonous invertebrates, while the latter consumes more plant-based foods. These differences could lead to histological differences in their gastrointestinal tract, which we wanted to test. Six animals of each species were caught in nature and fed the same diet for two weeks to diminish the impact of the short-term external factors. Tissue samples were taken of middle oesophagus, glandular stomach, middle small intestines and large intestines. They were stained with H&E for measuring the thickness of layers in oesophagus gastric mucosa and epithelial cell height in the intestines. Alcian blue - PAS stain was used for goblet cell count and type identification in the intestines, differentiating blue (acidic), lilac (neutral) and purple (mixed) cells. Results showed Eliomys quercinus having greater variance in oesophageal layer thicknesses, significantly thicker muscularis mucosae and thinner tunica muscularis in the oesophagus, and thicker gastric mucosa compared to Glis glis. Eliomys quercinus also had a significantly higher total goblet cell count in both intestines and a higher count of each type in the large intestine, although Glis glis had far more mixed and neutral goblet cells in the small intestine. Both showed intriguingly low numbers of neutral goblet cells in the small intestine. These results indicate interesting differences in gastrointestinal histology and goblet cell distribution in comparison with their distinct diets.
Comparing methods to detect Garden Dormice (Eliomys quercinus) in mountainous forest habitats
Authors: Beer Sarah , Hackländer Klaus , Lang Johannes
Published: April 2022

Garden Dormouse populations show a severe and ongoing decline all over Europe. The drivers for this process are still unknown, as well as the exact distribution of the remaining populations. An evaluation of the occupied habitats could give information on important habitat parameters. Therefore, it is essential to improve detection methods and to evaluate the efficiency of available techniques. In this study, three different methods were tested on ten transects in the Fichtel Mountains, Germany. On each transect we installed two camera traps (CT), one autonomous sound recording unit (AudioMoth, AM) and 25 footprint tunnels (FT), which were checked weekly from the beginning of June until the end of October. AMs did not record a single call, FT detected Garden Dormice in seven and CT detected them in all ten transects. FT worked best during July, when they provided evidence of Garden Dormouse on six transects. CT worked best in August and September, confirming Garden Dormice in all ten transects. In every month, CT outperformed FT in the number of positive findings, and in the time interval until initial detection. CT worked most efficiently in this type of habitat, whereas FT produced false absence data. As Garden Dormice inhabit a variety of different habitats, this study should be repeated to see if the results are transferable.
Developing an environmental DNA protocol for Hazel Dormouse surveys
Authors: Cartledge Emma , Stockley Paula
Published: April 2022

Recording Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) presence allows conservation and mitigation efforts to be effectively directed towards populated sites. As it is a protected species, licences are required for survey methods which disturb the animals or their habitat. Therefore, reliable low disturbance survey techniques are desirable.

In this study, we tested the potential of detecting environmental DNA (eDNA) from soil as a survey method for dormice. Firstly, we designed species-specific primers and the associated PCR protocol using tissue samples from Hazel Dormice. To ensure specificity, we also checked the protocol against tissue samples from non-target species. Next, we collected soil samples from occupied sites in England to test the methodology with environmental samples. This included testing site-level heterogeneity of dormouse DNA distribution and localised level DNA distribution surrounding occupied nest boxes. Finally, we tested the soil for DNA presence changes over time, after removal from the site.

Using eDNA for dormouse surveys is promising. Our results indicate that a usable survey methodology can be developed, providing a relatively low cost and time-efficient tool when compared to existing dormouse survey methods. Future work should aim to further understand the changes of dormouse eDNA through time. Through identifying populated sites, eDNA could support mitigation projects and help to direct dormouse conservation efforts.