What are the adaptations of a dormouse?
What are the adaptations of a dormouse?
Like other rodents, the dormouse’s skull arrangement is well-adapted for gnawing and chewing. This is combined with sharp and curved claws for digging and foraging. It has four digits on the forefeet and five on the hind feet with soft toe pads adapted specifically for climbing.
What animal eats the hazel dormouse?
Dormice live at low densities, even in ideal habitat and are not generally predated. They will however be eaten by owls, weasels, grey squirrels and cats while they are active and they can be eaten by badgers and wild boar when they are hibernating at ground level.
Why are hazel dormice important?
Dormice worldwide Throughout the world this species of rodent plays an important part in food chains and are a good indicator of animal and plant diversity in an ecosystem. A drop in its population can have a ripple effect within food chains and have dire effects to other wildlife populations.
How long does a hazel dormouse live?
five years
Large eyes and ears (because it is nocturnal); Paws turn sideways (for climbing). Weight: 10-15g in juveniles; 15-26g in adults, up to 43g before hibernation. Lifespan: Up to five years.
What kind of food does the hazel dormouse have?
Hazel is the principal food source, supports insects, forms an understory of poles, especially when coppiced, which makes it useful for its arboreal activity. The hazel dormouse’s Latin name avellanarius means ‘hazel’. Oaks supply insect and flower food; the acorns are of little value.
Is the hazel dormouse protected in the UK?
The hazel dormouse is protected by and in UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Hutterer, R.; Kryštufek, B.; Yigit, N.; Mitsain, G.; Meinig, H. & Juškaitis, R. (2016). “Muscardinus avellanarius”.
Which is the only living species of dormouse?
The hazel dormouse or common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is a small mammal and the only living species in the genus Muscardinus.
Where do hazel dormouses hibernate in the winter?
In winter (October to November), the hazel dormouse will hibernate in nests on the ground, in the base of old coppiced trees or hazel stools, under piles of leaves or under log piles as these situations are not subject to extreme variations in either temperature or humidity.