A 13-year population study of the edible dormouse <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glis glis</Emphasis> in Britain |
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Authors: | Patrick A Morris Mary J Morris |
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Institution: | (1) Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria |
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Abstract: | Edible dormice Glis glis Linnaeus, 1766 were monitored from 1996–2008 inclusive. This has been the first population study of this non-native species
since its introduction to Britain in 1902. Dormice were present in nest boxes from May or June until October or November.
Numbers recorded varied greatly from year to year, and breeding failure occurred in 6 of the 13 years, apparently in response
to environmental cues such as food availability. Litter sizes declined with growth of the young but some of the largest litters
resulted from females aggregating their offspring. Males used more nest boxes than females, some of whom showed clear site
fidelity from year to year. Survival rates were high and some individual lifespans exceeded 9 years. Longevity, compensating
for periodic reproductive failure, and an extremely short active season, make the life history of edible dormice exceptional
among small rodents, perhaps unique. Population density, rate of population increase and evidence for local emigration in
non-breeding years are discussed, issues of particular significance in populations of recently-established introduced species
such as this. |
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