Muscardinus

Muscardinus is a genus of dormice in the family Gliridae, within the order Rodentia. It currently contains one living species, Muscardinus avellanarius, commonly known as the common dormouse. The genus is characterized by small, rounded bodies, large eyes, soft fur, and a relatively long tail. Members of the genus are nocturnal and arboreal, with adaptations for a life among trees.

The common dormouse is native to temperate Europe and parts of western Asia. It inhabits deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, scrub, and dense vegetation near water, areas that offer abundant nesting cavities and food sources. Nests are built in tree hollows, crevices, or dense foliage, and dormice may use nest boxes in managed landscapes.

Ecology and behavior: dormice are primarily nocturnal, spending the day in safe nests. They hibernate for most of the winter in long, multi-month torpor, reemerging in spring to feed and reproduce. When active, they have a varied diet that includes fruits, nuts, seeds, buds, blossoms, and insects, and they often cache food for later use.

Reproduction and life cycle: breeding generally occurs from late spring to midsummer. The gestation period is short, typically around three to four weeks, and litters commonly consist of several young. Juveniles mature quickly and become independent after a few weeks of parental care.

Conservation: populations have declined in parts of their range due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and changes in agricultural practices. The species is protected by national laws in many countries and benefits from habitat conservation measures, including the protection of woodland habitats and the provision of nest boxes to support breeding and dispersal.