Forest dormouse

For the genus containing the forest dormice, see Dryomys.

Forest dormouse[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Gliridae
Genus: Dryomys
Species:
D. nitedula
Binomial name
Dryomys nitedula
(Pallas, 1778)
Range of D. nitedula
  Resident
  Probably Extant, resident

The forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) is a species of rodent in the family Gliridae found in eastern Europe, the Balkans and parts of western Central Asia. It is categorized as being of least concern in the IUCN List of Threatened Species due to its wide range and stable population trend.[2] Forest dormice have a diploid count (2n) of 48 chromosomes.[3] Even though this species lives in a variety of geographic locations, its greatest population density is in the forests of central Moldova, in Transcaucasia, and in the mountains of Central Asia. In most other locations, population density of this species is rather low. Population density is dependent on many factors. But the main features that this species depends on for choosing a location are the presence of the appropriate food sources as well as good foliage that can be used for a habitat. The reason why the forests in central Moldova have the highest population density is they provide the largest diversity of food sources which are available throughout the year. This location also provides the best type of foliage for the forest dormice to build their nests as well as swing from branches. The combination of both of these aspects allows for this species to have its highest needs met. Therefore, during mating season they produce offspring who also stay in the same general area when they mature. It makes sense not to move from an area if it is providing for your most basic needs.[4]

The common name for Eliomys is the garden dormouse. Dryomys are often compared to Eliomys as they have many similarities. However, Dryomys is smaller. Two more differences between the two are the braincase for Dryomys is more rounded and the auditory bullae is smaller than that of Eliomys. In addition, their tails are slightly different. The Dryomys's tail is more uniform in color than that of Eliomys.[5] The forest dormouse competes in artificial and natural nests with hazel dormice, fat dormice, and birds. Its biggest competitors are those species which eat similar types of food and who live in the same kind of habitat.[4]

  1. ^ Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M., eds. (2005). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 1768. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  2. ^ a b Batsaikhan, N.; Kryštufek, B.; Amori, G.; Yigit, N. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Dryomys nitedula". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T6858A115084761. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T6858A22222806.en. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  3. ^ Mitsainas, Georue GP. "Chromosomal Studies on Greek Populations of Four Small Rodent Species." Folia Zoologica 57.4 (2008): 337-46.
  4. ^ a b "AgroAtlas - Pests - Area of distribution and damage of Dryomys nitedula Pallas". Archived from the original on 2013-12-10. Retrieved 2013-12-10.
  5. ^ "Animal Diversity Web." ADW: Dryomys Nitedula: INFORMATION. Web. 03 Dec. 2013. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Dryomys_nitedula/>.